Priorities
Affordability
Oklahoma families are working harder than ever, yet too many are still struggling to keep up. Housing costs in the Tulsa area have risen significantly, putting pressure on renters and first-time homebuyers alike. U.S. Census data show that median gross rent in Oklahoma has steadily increased over the past decade, while wages have not kept pace for many working families.1
Oklahoma ranks near the bottom nationally in median household income.2 When housing, childcare, groceries, and utilities rise faster than paychecks, families are forced to make impossible choices.
I support:
Expanding affordable housing through smart incentives and zoning reform - We don't have a housing shortage because we lack land. We have a housing shortage because we've made it too hard to build the kinds of homes regular people can afford. I support reforms that make it easier to build starter homes while protecting existing neighborhoods and preventing predatory practices.
Lowering childcare costs through state-supported partnerships - Childcare is one of the biggest monthly expenses families face. If we want parents to work and businesses to grow, we have to make sure childcare is accessible and affordable. That means partnering with employers, strengthening subsidies, and supporting providers so they can keep their doors open.
Protecting consumers from predatory fees and utility rate spikes - When your electric bill spikes, you don't get to shop around. You don't get to negotiate. That's why oversight matters. If utilities want guaranteed profits, they also need guaranteed accountability
Healthcare Accessibility
Oklahoma consistently ranks near the bottom nationally in overall health outcomes.3 The state also has one of the highest uninsured rates in the country.4 Mental health services, maternal healthcare, and specialty care remain strained. The Oklahoma Maternal Mortality Review Committee continues to document preventable pregnancy-related deaths.5
We must:
Invest in community-based mental health and substance use services - Prevention and early treatment save lives and save taxpayer dollars. Community-based care is the smart, humane way to address mental health and addiction in Oklahoma.
Strengthen maternal healthcare access - Maternal healthcare isn't just about babies, it's about families, communities, and equity. Strengthening access saves lives and builds stronger Oklahoma families.
Tribal-State Partnerships
Oklahoma is home to 39 federally recognized Tribal Nations. Tribal governments are major employers and contribute billions annually to the state's economy.6
Following the U.S. Supreme Court's decision in McGirt v. Oklahoma (2020), strong government-to-government cooperation is more important than ever.7 Public safety, infrastructure, healthcare delivery, and economic development all depend on respectful collaboration. When Tribal Nations thrive, Oklahoma thrives.
I am committed to:
Protecting tribal sovereignty and honoring treaty obligations - Tribal sovereignty is not just a legal principle, it's the foundation for strong communities, safe neighborhoods, and economic growth. Honoring treaties and partnering with Tribal Nations benefits everyone in Oklahoma.
Increasing collaboration on infrastructure and broadband - Collaboration is key. When the state and Tribal Nations plan and invest together, we can close gaps in roads, utilities, and broadband, bringing opportunity, safety, and prosperity to every neighborhood.
Strengthening partnerships in healthcare, education, and workforce development - Our state thrives when we work together. By strengthening partnerships in healthcare, education, and workforce development with Tribal Nations, we create opportunities for all Oklahomans, better schools, stronger healthcare, and jobs that support families.
AI Data Centers
Artificial intelligence and data infrastructure are expanding rapidly, including in Oklahoma. While data centers bring economic opportunity, they also require significant electricity and water resources.
The U.S. Department of Energy reports that data centers account for roughly 2 percent of total U.S. electricity consumption, with demand projected to grow due to AI expansion.8 Large facilities can also consume millions of gallons of water annually for cooling.
As Oklahoma attracts technological investment, we must ensure:
Transparent economic incentive agreements - If we're going to offer incentives for high-tech development, everyone deserves to know the cost, the benefit, and the timeline. Transparency isn't optional, it's smart governance.
Responsible water and energy use standards - Innovation shouldn't come at the expense of our neighbors. Responsible energy and water standards make sure high-tech development benefits everyone, not just corporate bottom lines.
Grid reliability protections for residential consumers - We want tech companies to bring jobs and investment, but not at the expense of your electricity bill or power reliability. Grid protections make sure the community comes first.
Workforce training so Oklahomans benefit from job growth - We want tech growth in our state, but it has to work for Oklahomans. Training and apprenticeships ensure that new jobs stay in our communities and lift up our people.
Footnotes
- U.S. Census Bureau. American Community Survey, Median Gross Rent Data. https://www.census.gov/library/publications/2023/demo/p60-279.html ↩
- U.S. Census Bureau. Median Household Income by State. https://www.census.gov/library/publications/2023/demo/p60-279.html ↩
- United Health Foundation. America's Health Rankings Annual Report. https://www.americashealthrankings.org ↩
- U.S. Census Bureau. Health Insurance Coverage in the United States. https://www.census.gov/library/publications/2023/demo/p60-281.html ↩
- Oklahoma State Department of Health. Maternal Mortality Review Committee Report. https://oklahoma.gov/health/health-education/children---family-health/maternal-and-child-health-service/perinatal-and-reproductive-health-/maternal-mortality-review.html ↩
- Oklahoma Indian Gaming Association. Economic Impact of Tribal Nations in Oklahoma. https://oiga.org ↩
- McGirt v. Oklahoma, 591 U.S. ___ (2020). https://www.supremecourt.gov/opinions/19pdf/18-9526_9okb.pdf ↩
- U.S. Congress. Data Centers and Their Energy Consumption: Frequently Asked Questions. https://www.congress.gov/crs-product/R48646 ↩