Representative David Hardin

R

District 86

Hi, I’m David Hardin and I represent the people of Oklahoma’s 86th District.


representative

Leadership

Assistant Majority Whip

59th Legislature

News & Announcements

Dec 22, 2025
Recent Posts

Hardin Responds to Federal Court Order Affecting Poultry Farmers

OKLAHOMA CITY – Rep. David Hardin, R-Stilwell, responded to a federal court order issued Friday that placed new restrictions on poultry litter use in the Illinois River watershed, a decision he said could have devastating consequences for poultry farmers and rural communities across several eastern Oklahoma counties.  The ruling limits land application of poultry litter, imposes financial penalties on several poultry companies and establishes a special master to oversee a phased cleanup process. Hardin said the impact of the litigation has already resulted in Tyson Foods announcing they are beginning the process of moving operations out of Oklahoma.  "For poultry farmers in my district, this decision threatens their ability to stay in business," Hardin said. "These are family-run operations that support local jobs and county economies. Local farmers are facing a real risk of bankruptcy." Hardin said poultry production remains one of the most important economic drivers in northeast Oklahoma, supporting farmers, school districts, county governments and small businesses throughout the region. "When poultry operations are disrupted, the impact reaches far beyond individual farms," Hardin said. "Rural communities feel it through lost jobs, reduced tax revenue and long-terms economic instability." Hardin said the court order comes after decades of conservation efforts that have produced measurable improvements in water quality in parts of the Illinois River watershed. He expressed concern that the ruling does not sufficiently account for those improvements or the progress made by producers working alongside state and federal partners.  "Environmental stewardship matters and farmers have invested years into conservation practices that show results," Hardin said. "Any path forward should recognize that progress and avoid decisions that undermine the livelihoods of the people who have worked to be part of the solution." Governor Kevin Stitt recently spoke to hundreds of poultry farmers in Adair County, focusing attention on the economic impact the industry provides to multiple counties.  Last month, Hardin sent a letter to the Attorney General Gentner Drummond highlighting the critical role poultry production plays in rural economies like those in northeast Oklahoma and urging careful consideration of how legal and regulatory actions impact farmers, local governments and working families across the region.  -END- Rep. David Hardin, a Republican, represents House District 86 in the Oklahoma House of Representatives. His district includes portions of Adair, Cherokee, Delaware and Mayes counties.

Nov 21, 2025
Recent Posts

Hardin Addresses Concerns Over Potential Poultry Industry Changes

OKLAHOMA CITY – Rep. David Hardin, R-Stilwell, is addressing concerns raised by Adair County commissioners regarding the potential economic impact of major reductions in poultry operations in northeastern Oklahoma and the importance of the poultry industry to Oklahoma agriculture.  This week, Adair County commissioners sent a letter to Attorney General Gentner Drummond outlining the role poultry production plays in local economies and the significant effect a large-scale reduction could have on county governments, school districts, farm families and small businesses across the region. The commissioners noted that poultry production has long been one of the primary economic drivers in Adair County and supports hundreds of families while generating revenue that helps sustain rural communities. Reports indicating that Tyson Foods is evaluating possible changes to its Oklahoma operations come as the state continues navigating a long-running federal lawsuit over water quality in the Illinois River watershed. The litigation, now more than 20 years old, centers on pollution concerns shared by Oklahoma and Arkansas.  Federal and state agencies have documented water quality improvements in portions of the watershed following decades of targeted conservation work. An Environmental Protection Agency success story published in 2020 highlighted reduced bacteria and nutrient levels, the removal of five waterbody segments from the impaired waters list and ongoing cooperative efforts involving Oklahoma, Arkansas and the Cherokee Nation. Population growth in northwest Arkansas, which now exceeds 700,000 residents, has increased pressure on the watershed and prompted both states to update monitoring and long-term planning. “While the Environmental Protection Agency promotes the Illinois River watershed as a water quality success story and the Oklahoma Tourism Department promotes the water quality of Illinois River and Lake Tenkiller, Attorney General Drummond’s office is telling a federal judge the Illinois River is polluted to the point that poultry companies should be fined hundreds of millions of dollars,” Hardin said. "The Attorney General's proposal would devastate county governments, school districts, small businesses and countless Oklahoma families."  Hardin agreed with the commissioners' concerns and emphasized the importance of balancing environmental goals with economic stability.  “Eastern Oklahoma should not be put at risk while decisions are made without fully weighing the progress that has been achieved or the families who depend on this industry,” Hardin said. “Water quality challenges deserve meaningful attention, but we can address those concerns with science, long-term planning and cooperation between both states. I stand with the Adair County commissioners in supporting solutions that protect our natural resources and preserve the jobs, investment and economic health of our rural communities.”  Hardin noted that decades of coordinated conservation work have produced measurable improvements in the Illinois River watershed.  “Local, state and federal partners have invested years into improving the Illinois River, and the data show those efforts are working," said Hardin. "We should continue building on that progress while also safeguarding the economic stability of the counties that rely on agriculture to survive. “Frankly, our neighbors in Arkansas have shown more interest in water quality than we have and have invested in tens of millions of dollars in improvements for recreation and water quality monitoring and improvement. We need to focus on investment in water quality, not litigation."  Hardin said he supports continued collaboration among agencies, landowners and state leaders to protect water quality and maintain the long-term economic well-being of eastern Oklahoma.  -END-  Rep. David Hardin, a Republican, represents House District 86 in the Oklahoma House of Representatives. His district includes portions of Adair, Cherokee, Delaware and Mayes counties.

Oct 7, 2024
Recent Posts

STATEMENT: Reps Issue Joint Statement Opposing Tinker AFB "National Coming Out Day" Event

A group of legislators is opposing an event at Tinker Air Force Base called "National Coming Out Day" and the affirmation that homosexuals are "born this way." The following statement is issued by Reps. Jim Olsen, R-Roland; David Hardin, R-Stilwell; Clay Staires, R-Skiatook; Kevin West, R-Moore; Rick West, R-Heavener; and Danny Williams, R-Seminole. "As one of the nation's most important and strategic military bases, Tinker should remain focused on our national defense and not expend taxpayer dollars to promote a lifestyle contrary to the values of the majority of Oklahomans. It is offensive to use the statement 'born this way' as there is no evidence to support this. We view this as completely unnecessary for this campaign. In fact, we find the entire campaign unnecessary. Is Tinker next prepared to host a day to celebrate people who believe in sex only after marriage between a man and a woman? We would think not."