Oklahoma Freedom Caucus
Oklahoma Freedom Caucus | |
|---|---|
| Chairman | Shane Jett |
| Founded | September 3, 2024 |
| Ideology | |
| Political position | |
| National affiliation | State Freedom Caucus Network |
| Seats in the Oklahoma Republican Conference | 11 / 121 |
| Seats in the Oklahoma Legislature | 11 / 149 |
The Oklahoma Freedom Caucus is a caucus in the Oklahoma Legislature. It is generally considered the most conservative bloc in the legislature. It was formed in September 2024 by Oklahoma conservatives inspired by the national House Freedom Caucus.
History
On September 3, 2024, Oklahoma State Senator Shane Jett announced the creation of the Oklahoma Freedom Caucus alongside Senators Dusty Deevers, Dana Prieto, and Nathan Dahm. The caucus is affialiated with the State Freedom Caucus Network and keeps its full membership list secret.[1] The caucus's 2025 legislative agenda focused on illegal immigration.[3] After the assassination of Charlie Kirk in September 2025, five new legislators publicly identified with the caucus.[2] The following month, Senators Micheal Bergstrom and George Burns were revealed to also be members of the caucus.[4]
Ideology
The Oklahoman has described the Oklahoma Freedom Caucus as both "right wing" and "the state arm of a national far-right group."[2] At the caucus's launch, House Vice Chairman Jim Olsen described the group as conservative and focused on "the Constitution, limited government, personal responsibility, family responsibility, lower taxation, low regulation, traditional marriage and family.”[1]
Political positions and involvement
Intra-party relationship
The Caucus has support from the state GOP, whose leader, Charity Linch, has said she "back[s] what the Freedom Caucus is doing." and that the Caucus represents Republicans "with a backbone that will stand for what's right."[5] Jett, along with Linch, have expressed support for challenging Republican lawmakers deemed considered insufficiently conservative or willing to back the Caucus' staunchly conservative agenda. Jett says the state must rid "trans-Republicans, because they're only identifying as Republican, [but they] don't actually like Republicans or the Republican platform or Republican principles."
During the 2024 elections, Caucus-backed challengers defeated nine incumbent Republicans.[5]
Election reform
The Caucus has opposed efforts to bring open primaries to the state, which would allow voters to choose to vote in a party primary without declaring membership in the party.[5]
Fiscal conservatism
The Caucus has opposed efforts to increase the pay of elected officials, calling them "foolish and indulgent".[6]
Membership
Leadership
- Chairman: Shane Jett[1]
- Senate Vice Chairman: Dusty Deevers[1]
- House Vice Chairman: Jim Olsen[1]
Other members
- Senator Micheal Bergstrom[4]
- Senator George Burns[4]
- Senator Randy Grellner[2]
- Senator Julie McIntosh[2]
- Senator Dana Prieto[1]
- Senator Kendal Sacchieri[2]
- Representative Jim Shaw[2]
- Senator Lisa Standridge[2]
Former member
- Senator Nathan Dahm[1]
References
- ^ a b c d e f g h Murphy, Emma (September 3, 2024). "Right-wing 'Freedom Caucus' launches at Oklahoma Capitol". Oklahoma Voice. Retrieved October 5, 2025.
- ^ a b c d e f g h Aston, Alexia (September 23, 2025). "Oklahoma Freedom Caucus adds five lawmakers as it pushes proposals to honor Charlie Kirk". The Oklahoman. Retrieved October 5, 2025.
- ^ Wahpekeche, Dacoda (February 17, 2025). "Oklahoma Freedom Caucus unveils agenda for legislative session with immigration top-of-mind". KOCO. Retrieved October 5, 2025.
- ^ a b c Aston, Alexia (October 5, 2025). "Oklahoma Freedom Caucus with secret members wants to reshape state politics". The Oklahoman. Retrieved October 5, 2025.
- ^ a b c Ramos, Lionel (December 22, 2025). "As the Oklahoma GOP begins to fracture and a far-right takeover looms, open primaries are a threat". KOSU. Retrieved January 27, 2026.
- ^ Noel, Kemar (January 22, 2026). "Oklahoma Freedom Caucus criticizes vote to raise elected officials pay". KSWO. Retrieved January 27, 2026.