Welcome to the Oklahoma House of Representatives

OKLAHOMA CITY – House Speaker Kyle Hilbert, R-Bristow, comments on the appointment of Dr. Jim Hess as the next President of Oklahoma State University: "I am thrilled to hear of the official appointment of Dr. Jim Hess as the next President of OSU. His experience and dedication to student success and the university make him well-suited for this role. Since stepping in as interim president, he’s been a great partner to the Legislature, and his official appointment brings stability to the university as it prepares for continued growth and future success." "I’m grateful to the OSU Board of Regents for their swift and decisive action today. Having reliable, long-term leadership in place will allow the institution and the general public to buy in to a long-term vision of making Oklahoma State University the preeminent land grant University in the country."

OKLAHOMA CITY – Rep. Tammy Townley, R-Ardmore, today shared the news of the passing of her uncle, former Oklahoma Corporation Commissioner Hamp Baker, who died following a battle with cancer at 91. Commissioner Baker served the state from 1974 to 1985, becoming a well-known figure both for his work and his memorable public safety campaign slogan: “Hamp Baker says Drive with Care.” The slogan—often seen on car hoods and signs across Oklahoma—became one of the most recognized marketing efforts of the 1970s. “He loved being a Corporation Commissioner and he loved Oklahoma,” said Townley. “But to me, he was just my uncle—my mom’s brother, the one who encouraged me to run for office and believed in me before I believed in myself. He even helped me put out signs. He was one of my favorite people on this planet. I am keeping my cousins and family in my prayers during this difficult time.” Even in his 90s, Hamp was still pulling his own oil wells up until about a month ago. After his time on the Commission, Baker continued to advocate for Oklahoma energy, working with the National Association of Energy Users to promote the use of Oklahoma natural gas on a national level. Baker’s passion for public service and deep commitment to his home state left a lasting impact on Oklahoma—and on his family. "My uncle’s slogan was ‘Put your stamp on Hamp,’” Townley said. “He certainly put his on Oklahoma.”

Rep. Daniel Pae, R-Lawton, has been named one of The Journal Record’s Oklahoma Achievers Under 40 for 2025, which is given to Oklahomans under the age of 40 who have made an impact on the state.  "I'm incredibly honored to be recognized as one of Oklahoma's Achievers Under 40," Pae said. "Public service has always been my passion, and I'm grateful for the opportunity to serve my hometown of Lawton and our great state. This recognition is a reflection of the many mentors, colleagues, and community members who have supported me along the way."  Pae was elected to serve House District 62 in the Oklahoma House of Representatives in 2018. He currently serves as chair of the House Appropriations & Budget Subcommittee on Human Services, as well as vice chair of the House Children, Youth and Family Services Committee. In 2020, he was a co-vice chair of the House State and Federal Redistricting Committee following the decennial U.S. census.  He was awarded the 2019 Rising Star Award by the International Leadership Foundation (ILF) for his professional achievements and dedication to the improvement of the Asian Pacific American community. Prior to his election to the House, he worked in municipal government in Lawton.  This year’s honorees will be the 22nd Class of The Journal Record’s Oklahoma Achievers Under 40 list. All honorees will be recognized on May 15 at the Oklahoma History Center.