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

Jul 14, 2026
Recent Posts

Hardin Responds to Poultry Litigation Agreement

OKLAHOMA CITY – Rep. David Hardin, R-Stilwell, issued the following statement after Attorney General Gentner Drummond announced a new agreement involving the companies named in the long-running Illinois River Watershed poultry litigation: "After more than two decades of litigation, I am encouraged that the state and all six poultry integrators have reached a new agreement. The agreement announced this week appears to offer a more balanced path that addresses concerns within the watershed while recognizing the importance of poultry production to our region. It is important to be clear that this is an agreement between the Attorney General, acting on behalf of the state, and the defendant poultry integrators. It is not yet a court-approved resolution. The agreement must still move through the 10th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals and the federal district court before the prior judgment can be vacated and the lawsuit dismissed. There are still important steps ahead, but I am hopeful this agreement will bring this decades-long case closer to a responsible conclusion and provide greater certainty for eastern Oklahoma families." The agreement involves Tyson Foods, Cargill, George's, Peterson Farms, Cal-Maine and Simmons Foods. It includes funding for watershed projects, environmental monitoring and other measures related to poultry litter management. The agreement remains subject to court approval.  -END-   Rep. David Hardin, a Republican, represents House District 86 in the Oklahoma House of Representatives. His district includes Adair County and portions of Cherokee, Mayes and Delaware counties.

Apr 8, 2026
Recent Posts

Hardin Responds to Court Rejection of Poultry Settlement Agreements

OKLAHOMA CITY – Rep. David Hardin, R-Stilwell, issued the following statement after a federal judge declined to approve proposed settlement agreements in the long-running Illinois River Watershed poultry litigation:  "The Attorney General and his team worked to bring forward settlement agreements that would have provided a clearer path forward in this case. Those agreements reflected months of negotiation and an effort to bring stability to a situation that has remained unresolved for far too long.  With the court declining to move those agreements forward, the uncertainty surrounding this case continues, and it's being felt most by the families who rely on poultry production to make a living.  In eastern Oklahoma, poultry growers are family operations that have made significant investments and taken on real financial risk. Without long-term certainty, many of them are now facing difficult decisions about whether they can continue operating.   At this point, I believe it is appropriate to reevaluate the direction of this case. I am urging the Attorney General to consider withdrawing the lawsuit so we can prevent further economic strain on rural communities and avoid pushing more families to the brink."  The Illinois River Watershed litigation, originally filed in 2005, remains ongoing as the court considers next steps following its decision on the proposed agreements. -END- Rep. David Hardin, a Republican, represents House District 86 in the Oklahoma House of Representatives. His district includes Adair County and portions of Cherokee, Mayes and Delaware counties.

Feb 13, 2026
Recent Posts

Hardin Issues Statement on Poultry Litigation Settlement

OKLAHOMA CITY – Rep. David Hardin, R-Stilwell, issued the following statement after the state of Oklahoma finalized settlements totaling $25.5 million with Tyson Foods and Cargill in the long-running Illinois River Watershed litigation.  "For more than 20 years, this case has hung over the heads of poultry growers in eastern Oklahoma. I’ve heard from families who were unsure whether they would be able to continue operating from one year to the next. That kind of uncertainty takes a real toll on our rural communities.  These settlements bring long-needed clarity. They provide a framework to address water quality concerns in the Illinois River Watershed while also giving producers and integrators the stability they need to keep doing business in our state.  I appreciate the work that has gone into reaching this point, including the efforts of the Attorney General’s office, Gov. Kevin Stitt, Speaker Kyle Hilbert, Senate Pro Tem Lonnie Paxton and Sen. Tom Woods. There has been strong support from state leaders and Oklahoma’s agriculture community to find a resolution that protects family farmers while also addressing water quality concerns.  Our poultry farmers are good stewards of the land. They’ve invested time and resources into modern practices, and they deserve a path forward that recognizes both environmental responsibility and the economic reality of raising food for our country.  I am hopeful the court will approve these agreements so they can take effect and provide lasting certainty for our producers. I also encourage continued efforts to reach resolution with the remaining integrators. If that does not occur, I believe we should carefully consider alternative approaches that address water quality through a strong regulatory framework without jeopardizing the livelihoods of hundreds of family farmers in eastern Oklahoma.  The priority must remain clear. We can protect our natural resources and ensure eastern Oklahoma poultry producers are able to operate and expand with confidence, without the constant fear of losing contracts or facing financial ruin."  The settlements require payments for remediation and conservation efforts within the watershed and outline additional measures related to litter removal and monitoring. Other defendants remain involved in ongoing proceedings.  -END- Rep. David Hardin, a Republican, represents House District 86 in the Oklahoma House of Representatives. His district includes Adair County and portions of Cherokee, Mayes and Delaware counties.