OKLAHOMA CITY – Representatives-Elect Amanda Clinton, D-Tulsa, and Aletia Timmons, D-Oklahoma City, were sworn into the Oklahoma House of Representatives after winning their Special Elections to fill House District 71 and House District 97 respectively. “I’m thrilled to welcome Rep. Amanda Clinton and Rep. Aletia Timmons to the Oklahoma House Democratic Caucus,” said House Democratic Leader Cyndi Munson, D-Oklahoma City. “The House Democratic Caucus remains committed to improving the lives of working Oklahomans, ensuring they have quality, free public education, and the accessible, affordable healthcare they deserve. I know they will work to help accomplish these goals and diligently serve Oklahomans and guarantee their district’s best interests. I’m looking forward to standing alongside these two powerful women to serve all Oklahomans.” Rep. Amanda Clinton, D-Tulsa, HD 71: "I grew up on a farm at the end of a dirt road in the Cherokee Nation, just about as far from the state legislature as you can get. My three sisters and I were raised by my dad, a general contractor, and my mom, a public school teacher of 53 years. Hard work is all I know, so earning this seat with 85 percent of the vote has been incredible. I'm deeply grateful to the voters, my family, friends, and the communities who helped me get here," Clinton said. "I'm also honored to be the fourth consecutive woman and the third Native woman to serve this district. For more than 20 years, I've worked in Tribal governments that are committed to providing health care, education, housing and pathways to a career. I know what's possible when governments invest in people because I've helped build those governments. Voters in HD 71 sent a clear message that it's time for Oklahoma to do the same, and I promise to be a strong, outspoken voice in that effort." Rep. Aletia Timmons, D-Oklahoma City, HD 97: “I am humbled and honored to be elected by the people of House District 97 to serve as their State Representative,” Timmons said. “Fired up, ready to go!” During the 2024 election cycle, Oklahoma House Democrats retained all of their seats, and with these two members filling vacancies, now have 20 members in the caucus. They will be up for re-election in November 2026. -END-
Newly-elected Rep. Kevin Norwood, R-Owasso, took his oath of office in the Oklahoma House of Representatives on Wed., June 18. He won a special general election earlier this month to represent House District 74 in Rogers and Tulsa counties. "Today has been an incredible day, and I’m deeply honored to represent the people of House District 74," Norwood said. "Serving my local community is a responsibility I take seriously. I truly love Oklahoma, and I’m committed to doing everything I can to make our state an even better place to live. I look forward to showing up every day and working hard to help our community thrive." Originally from Muskogee, Norwood has lived in Owasso since 1994, where he works as a youth minister. He holds a bachelor's degree in pastoral ministry from Southwestern Christian University and a master's degree in applied theology from Oral Roberts University. He earned his doctorate in leadership and global perspectives from Portland Seminary at George Fox University. Norwood and his wife, Ann, have two children. "Rep. Norwood has spent decades serving his community in ministry and today he takes on an additional role giving back to the people of his community. He is a great addition to the House of Representatives and I look forward to serving with him," said Speaker Kyle Hilbert, R-Bristow. "It is great to have our full 101 House members seated, ready to do the people’s business throughout the interim and into the 2026 legislative session." He was sworn in by Oklahoma Supreme Court Chief Justice Dustin Rowe along with Rep. Amanda Clinton, D-Tulsa, and Rep. Aletia Timmons, D-Oklahoma City. Following Wednesday's swearing-in ceremony, the Oklahoma House is now comprised of 81 Republicans and 20 Democrats.
OKLAHOMA CITY – Rep. Emily Gise, R-Oklahoma City, joined state leaders from across the region last week for a high-level summit on rising antisemitism and the growing threats faced by Jewish students and Christian supporters of Israel on college campuses. "In light of recent events, this message is more urgent than ever," Gise said. "I stand with President Trump and proudly support Israel in its fight against extremist Islamic terrorism." The event , The Boulder Summit: Confronting Antisemitism in Our Region , was hosted by Boulder Mayor Aaron Brockett and the Combat Antisemitism Movement following a recent antisemitic attack in which a Molotov cocktail was thrown at a peaceful gathering of elderly Jewish Americans. The summit convened just over a week after the attack to address what organizers described as a national emergency. "Oklahoma has zero tolerance for hate,” Gise said. "We’re not here to make statements, we’re here to pass laws that protect students and ensure every campus is a place of safety and respect. By taking clear and deliberate action, Oklahoma is setting an example for how states can respond to rising antisemitism with real solutions. When leaders act with courage, clarity and conviction, we can protect our communities and uphold the values that define us." During her remarks, Gise highlighted two bills passed during the 2025 legislative session as examples of Oklahoma’s commitment to taking meaningful action. Senate Bill 942 , co-authored by Sen. Kristen Thompson, R-Edmond, and Gise, requires schools to implement clear, enforceable policies addressing antisemitic harassment. The law ensures compliance with Title VI civil rights protections and prioritizes the safety of Jewish students and faculty. Senate Bill 991 , also authored by Sen. Thompson and supported by Gise, formally adopts the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance (IHRA) definition of antisemitism into Oklahoma’s public education system. The law mandates accountability for antisemitic incidents and sets a standard for identifying hate-based conduct. "In Oklahoma, we took proactive steps to address the growing threat of antisemitism with Senate Bills 942 and 991, strengthening our state’s response to antisemitic violence and ensuring our laws reflect zero tolerance for hate," Thompson said. "We will continue to lead boldly and unapologetically." In recent months, incidents of antisemitism tied to misinformation and extremist rhetoric related to the Israel–Hamas conflict have increased, including violent attacks, online harassment and the targeting of Jewish students and Christian Zionist groups. "This is not just a matter of foreign policy, it’s a matter of principle," Gise said. "Defending Israel and standing with our Jewish brothers and sisters, both abroad and here at home, is a core value I hold deeply." The summit brought together lawmakers, university officials, Jewish community leaders and national advocates to coordinate a state-level response to the rise in antisemitic violence, threats and harassment across the United States. Participants emphasized the need for stronger policies in higher education institutions and more vocal support from public officials. "I’m grateful to the City of Boulder and Mayor Brockett for the opportunity to join this important conversation," Gise said. "It was an honor to share how Oklahoma is addressing antisemitism through real policy. These discussions matter, and I’m hopeful they will inspire continued action to protect Jewish students and all those facing religious discrimination on our campuses."