Governor of Oklahoma
Encyclopedia
The governor of the state of Oklahoma is the head of state
for the state of Oklahoma
, United States
. Under the Oklahoma Constitution
, the governor is also the head of government
, serving as the chief executive of the Oklahoma executive branch, of the government of Oklahoma
. The governor is the ex officio Commander-in-Chief
of the Oklahoma National Guard
when not called into federal
use. Despite being an executive branch official, the governor also possesses legislative and judicial powers. The governor's responsibilities include making yearly "State of the State" addresses to the Oklahoma Legislature
, submitting the annual state budget
, ensuring that state laws are enforced, and that the peace is preserved
.
The office was created in 1907 when Oklahoma was officially admitted to the United States
as the 46th state
. Prior to statehood in 1907, the office was preceded by a Presidential
appointed Governor of Oklahoma Territory
with similar powers.
The 27th and current Governor of Oklahoma is Mary Fallin
.
and Indian Territories
. While Indian Territory remained under the semi-independence of the Indian nations, Oklahoma Territory was organized territory under the supervision of the United States Congress
. Within the Territory, a tripartite government existed, including a Territorial Assembly, a Territorial Supreme Court, and a Territorial Governor.
The executive branch of the territory’s government was headed by the Governor of Oklahoma Territory. The governor was appointed by the President of the United States
to serve a four year term. Despite a set term, the governor served at the pleasure of the President. The President could remove the governor from office at any moment.
The Governor was the head of the Government of the Territory. He had the power to veto legislation proposed by the Territorial Legislature and the power to appoint member to his cabinet, who in turn had to be ratified by the Legislature. The Governor had the power to appoint Justices to the Territory’s Supreme Court. The Governor was responsible to the President on addressing issues in the territory and served as the representative as the federal government of the United States
. He was also the Commander in Chief of the Territory’s militia.
After the Oklahoma Constitution
was written and accepted in 1907, Oklahoma and Indian Territories was joined as the State of Oklahoma
. The office of Territorial Governor was replaced by the Governor of Oklahoma. The new office possessed many of the Territorial Governor’s powers and similar responsibilities. However, the Governor was designed with many restrictions, limits, and Legislative and Judicial oversight. This was done under the “weak governor system” to not allow the abuse of power that had occurred under the Territorial government.
After the first governor Charles N. Haskell
left office in 1911, the executive branch saw a vast reduction in its powers. Governor Haskell, considered the father of the Oklahoma Constitution, knew the office inside and out. This allowed him to amass a great deal of executive power and influence over every aspect of state government. However, in the twenty years after Haskell, the Legislature drained the governor of his powers and severely weakened the office. It was not until William H. Murray
, another of the Constitution’s authors, in 1935 did the Governorship get back its powers.
As Oklahoma grew and the state government expanded, the Governor became gradually more powerful. As more agencies were introduced, the Governor’s appointment power extended to them all, granting him greater indirect influence over the government. Also, initially the Governor was not eligible to immediately succeed himself after being elected. It was not until 1966 did Oklahomans amend the Constitution to allow the Governor to serve two consecutive terms.
by the voters of Oklahoma. After all votes are collected, the Legislature of Oklahoma shall convene in the hall of the House of Representatives and the Speaker of the House of Representatives announce the results of the elections in the presence of a majority of each branch of the Legislature.
The persons having the highest number of votes for the office of the Governor shall be declared duly elected. However, in case two or more shall have an equal and the highest number of votes for the office of Governor, the Legislature shall, by joint ballot, choose one of the said persons having an equal and the highest number of votes for the office of Governor.
, the Governor serves a four year term in office beginning on the second Monday in January. Also, the same Section provides that no person may hold the office of Governor for more than two terms consecutively. It makes no reference to limits to total number of terms held.
is elected at the same election as the Governor, but not jointly as the running mate
of the gubernatorial candidate. With Lieutenant Governor Todd Lamb
in office, Oklahoma has a Governor and a Lieutenant governor of the same party, as both Governor Mary Fallin
and Lieutenant Governor Lamb are of the Republican Party.
The event of having a Governor and Lieutenant of different parties has become more frequent ever since Republicans had made gains in state wide elections. Democratic Lieutenant Governor Leo Winters and Republican Governor Henry Bellmon
in 1963 was the first instance of this occurrence. Since then this has happened three more times; in 1967 with Republican Governor Dewey F. Bartlett
and Democratic Lieutenant Governor George Nigh
, in 1987 with Republican Governor Henry Bellmon
and Democratic Lieutenant Governor Robert S. Kerr III, and in 2002 with Democratic Governor Brad Henry and Republican Lieutenant Governor Mary Fallin.
When a Governor and Lieutenant Governor are of the same party, the Governor often uses the Lieutenant as the head of board, agency, or commission. This can been seen when Governor Frank Keating
appointed Mary Fallin
to serve as his Secretary State Small Business Advocate within his Cabinet
. However, when the Governor and Lieutenant are of different parties, the Lieutenant's role in the administration is often minimal.
This unique relationship occasionally comes into play when the Lieutenant Governor is the Acting Governor
. When acting as the Governor, the Oklahoma Constitution
provides all the powers of the Governor to the Lieutenant Governor. This includes the power of signing or veto
ing legislation, making political appointments, calling out the Oklahoma National Guard
, or granting pardons. The need for the Lieutenant Governor to act as the Governor may come about due to the Governor's absences from the State, or his inability to discharge the powers and duties of the office. The Lieutenant Governor holds the powers of the Governor until the Governor returns to the state or the disability is removed.
in Oklahoma City while a few work at the Governor's Office in Tulsa. An even smaller portion of those employees work at the Governor's Mansion
as house staff.
" as the state's "Chief Magistrate" and acts as head of the Executive department of Oklahoma, granting him the ability to issue executive orders which are binding throughout the State of Oklahoma. The Governor is the "conservator of the peace throughout the State," making him the chief peace officer
in the state. In his position as chief peace officer, the Governor is granted command over all state and local law enforcement agencies. In the event that regular law enforcement is unable to execute the law, the Governor, acting as Commander-in-Chief
of Oklahoma’s state militia
, may call out the Oklahoma National Guard
to "execute the laws, protect the public health, suppress insurrection, and repel invasion." The Governor is assisted in managing the military of Oklahoma by the Adjutant General of Oklahoma
, who is appointed by the Governor.
The Governor has the power to commission all officers not otherwise commissioned by the law of Oklahoma and is granted the power of appointment. When any office at the state level becomes vacant for any reason, the Governor, unless otherwise provided by law, has the power to appoint a person to fill such vacancy, who shall continue in office until a successor shall have been elected or appointed according to the law of Oklahoma. If the office of an Oklahoma Member of the United States House of Representatives or United States Senate becomes vacant the Governor calls a special election to fill the remainder of the term. In the case of United States Senators, the Governor is empowered by the U.S. Constitution to appoint someone immediately to fill the vacant Senate seat temporarily until a special election can be held.
Within the Executive branch of Oklahoma government, the Governor is assisted by the Lieutenant Governor of Oklahoma
, the Secretary of State of Oklahoma
, the Attorney General of Oklahoma
, and the State Treasurer of Oklahoma
, among others. While all the other high level executive offices are elected directly by the people of Oklahoma, the Secretary of State is not. The Secretary of State is appointed by the Governor with the consent of the Senate for a term of four years to run concurrently with the term of the Governor. Due to the large number of State agencies, the Governor is assisted in running the government through the use of the Oklahoma State Cabinet
, which the Governor is allowed to organize to best serve him. Through the State Cabinet, the Governor can address the assembled heads of Oklahoma's executive branch departments which oversee all of Oklahoma's agencies. Each department is headed by a Secretary appointed by the Governor and is responsible for carrying out his executive orders through their department.
The Governor is an ex officio chairman of many state commissions and committees, such as the Oklahoma Commissioners of Land Office and the Oklahoma Ethics Commission. While not a member, the Governor has the power to appoint all or some of the members of most of the executive commissions and state commissions with the advice and consent of the Oklahoma Senate
, such as the Board of Regents of the University of Oklahoma
.
The Governor is also responsible for preparing the State Budget
of Oklahoma for the next fiscal year, although the Legislature must approve it.
. Every bill which that is passed by both the Oklahoma Senate
and Oklahoma House of Representatives
, and every resolution requiring the assent of both chambers of the legislature, must, before it becomes a law, be presented to the Governor. The Governor may choose to sign it or veto
it and send it back to the legislature. The Governor’s veto can only be overridden by a two-thirds approval vote from each house.
The Governor’s power over appropriation bill
s is greater than that of normal bills. As with normal bills, it must be presented to the Governor for his approval. If he disapproves of any part of the bill, he may send that part of the bill back to the legislature. However, the part of which he approves becomes law. Thus, the Governor is granted the power of the line-item veto
. Any item, or items, so disapproved by the Governor in this manner become void, unless the Legislature re-passes them by a two-thirds vote.
Much of the legislation dealt with by the Legislature is drafted at the initiative of the Governor or his staff. In annual and special messages to the Legislature, the Governor may propose legislation he believes is necessary. The most important of these is the annual State of the State address
. Before a joint session of the Legislature, the Governor outlines the status of the state and his legislative proposals for the upcoming year. Also, beyond the official role as Chief Legislature, the Governor is primarily in a position to influence public opinion and thereby to influence the course of legislation in the Legislature.
The Governor has the power to convoke the legislature, or the Senate only, on extraordinary occasions. At extraordinary sessions, no subject shall be acted upon, except such as the Governor may recommend for consideration. When ever a vacancy occurs within the legislature, the Governor shall issue a writ of election
to fill such vacancies. In case of a disagreement between the two houses of the legislature, at a regular or special session, the Governor may adjourn them to such time as he shall deem proper, not beyond the day of the next stated meeting of the legislature. He may convoke the Legislature at or adjourn it to another place, when, in his opinion, the public safety or welfare, or the safety or health of the members require it. However, such a change or adjournment shall be concurred in by a two-thirds vote of all the members of each branch of the legislature.
consisting of thirteen members that review all potential Justices and Judges of Oklahoma's appellate courts, such as the Oklahoma Supreme Court
, and review them to determine if they qualify to hold their respective positions. Of these thirteen members, the Governor appoints six without the consent of the legislature. All of the Governor's appointments serve for a term of six years each; the terms are staggered so that approximately one-third of the appointments become vacant every two years.
In the event of a vacancy upon the Supreme Court or on the Court of Criminal Appeals, the Judicial Nominating Committee shall choose and submit to the Governor and the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court three nominees, each of whom has previously notified the Commission in writing that he will serve as a Justice if appointed. Once three potential Justices or Judges are approved by the Judicial Nominating Committee, the Governor appoints one to serve on the Court. If the Governor fails to do appoint a nominee within sixty days, the Chief Justice of Oklahoma shall appoint one of the nominees. After the Justice's or Judge's first six years in office, they must stand for retainment by the people of Oklahoma for another six year term.
The Governor also possess the power to grant commutations, pardons and parole
s for all offenses, except cases of impeachment
, upon such conditions and with such restrictions and limitations as he may deem proper, subject to such regulations as may be prescribed by law. However, the Governor shall not have the power to grant paroles if a convict has been sentenced to death or sentenced to life imprisonment without parole. In order to grant a pardon to an individual, he must submit the name of the individual to the Oklahoma Pardon and Parole Board
composed of five members, three of which are appointed by the Governor at the beginning of his term in office to serve a term that coincides with his own. After reviewing the applicant for clemency, and a favorable vote from the majority, the Board may empower the Governor to make such acts of clemency as he deems necessary.
The Governor, however, shall have power to grant after conviction, reprieves, or a leave of absence
not to exceed sixty days, without the action of the Board. He shall communicate to the Legislature, at each regular session, each case of reprieve, commutation, parole or pardon, granted, stating the name of the convict, the crime of which he was convicted, the date and place of conviction, and the date of commutation, pardon, parole and reprieve
) are negotiated by the Governor. This is reflecting the Governor's position as the spokesman for the state and the state’s interests to other state and world leaders. However, the Governor may not make treaties
with other nations or other Union states, as this is prevented by the United States Constitution
.
In discharging his duty as chief spokesman, the Governor may be required to testify before the United States Congress
or meet with the President of the United States
to address national issues that may affect the state. Also, it is the Governor’s responsibility to promote Oklahoma’s industries to the world economy as the spokesman for industrial development within the state. Along with those responsibilities comes the role of chief promoter of Oklahoma’s goods and services to foreign consumers.
The Governor also plays a significant role in national politics. As the representative of Oklahoma, the Governor heads, on a state level, the political party
that he may belong to. In this position, the Governor serves as the state’s leader in selecting a party candidate to run for the office of President. Additionally, as Oklahoma’s Head of State, the Governor is Oklahoma to rest of the world. The Governor may travel through the country to promote Oklahoma in a general interest or travel abroad to serve as proponent of America’s interests.
and the Catastrophic Health Emergency Powers Act
, in the event that a natural or man-made emergency or a catastrophic health emergency occurs or is anticipated in the immediate future, the Governor’s gains several emergency powers
to better respond to the emergency and combat the threat. Either the Governor through executive order or the Oklahoma Legislature
through concurrent resolution
may declare a state of emergency. Once declared, the Governor may exercise his additional emergency powers. At any time, the Governor (through executive order) or the Legislature (through concurrent resolution) may declare an end to the state of emergency and suspend the Governor's emergency powers.
Upon the declaration of an emergency, the Governor is allowed a limited-form of rule by decree
. He assumes direct regulatory control over all essential resources of the state. It will then be the responsibility of the Governor to determine the priorities of such resources and allocate them as the Governor may deem necessary. These resources include, but are not limited to, food, manpower, health and health manpower, water, transportation, economic stabilization, electric power, petroleum, gas, and solid fuel, industrial production, construction and housing.
The focus of the Governor's emergency powers is to ensure the security and stability of the state. As such, the Governor gains vast and comprehensive police power
s. In discharging those power to enforce all laws, rules and regulations relating to emergency management
, the Governor assumes direct operational control of any or all emergency management forces of the state, including the Oklahoma National Guard
, state police agencies, state and local health departments, as well as county sheriff's and local police departments. These emergency police powers extend to providing for the evacuation of all or part of the state’s population from any affected or threatened area or areas within the state, regulating the conduct of civilians and the movement of pedestrians and vehicular traffic, and regulating public meetings and gatherings. The Governor is responsible for providing for the care of all those regulated by his orders.
During a state of emergency, the Governor is authorized to utilize the services, equipment, supplies and facilities of all departments, offices and agencies of the state to the maximum extent practicable. All state, county, and local officers and personnel must cooperate with the Governor in emergency management upon his direction. Any state, county, or local official that willful fails to obey any order, rule or regulation issued by the Governor may be removed from office by the Governor. However, before removal, officer must receives the charges against them and have an opportunity to defend themselves. Pending the presentation of charges, the Governor may suspend such officers for a period not to exceed thirty days. Any vacancy resulting from removal or suspension shall be filled by the Governor until it is filled as provided by state law. However, according to the Oklahoma Constitution
, the Governor may not remove from office the elective state executive officers, the Justices of the Oklahoma Supreme Court
, the Judges of the Oklahoma Court of Criminal Appeals
, and members of the Oklahoma Legislature
.
When carrying out the functions of his emergency powers, the Governor is immune from civilly liable for any loss or injury resulting from any decision, determination, order or action in the performance of his assigned duties and responsibilities during a stated emergency. However, this immunity does not apply when such loss or injury is caused by the gross negligence, or willfully and unnecessarily act by the Governor.
. Before its construction, Governors lived in various locations around Guthrie
and Oklahoma City
. Governor Charles N. Haskell
set up his administration's office and has official residence within a hotel
in Oklahoma City. The Legislature provided for the construction of an official residence after years of debat in 1927. The next year, in 1928, the Mansion was completed.
Built by an Oklahoma City architectural firm, Layton, Hicks and Forsyth, the Mansion is of Dutch-Colonial style. Carthage limestone
was used so the exterior of the Mansion would complement the Oklahoma State Capitol
, which is located to the west of the Mansion. The legislature allocated $100,000 of state money ($75,000 for construction and $25,000 for furnishing) to the project. Two years later, another $39,000 was set aside to complete outbuildings and landscaping. Though originally having 19 rooms, today the 14000 square feet (1,300.6 m²) Mansion has 12, including a library, parlor, dining room, grand ballroom, kitchen, sunroom and five bedrooms.
The Mansion also serves as an active museum. Throughout the Mansion, antiques and artwork from both museum and private collections can be found. The Mansion's museum is designed to provide a glimpse into Oklahoma's history and culture. Artists represented in oil and bronze include N.C. Wyeth, Charles Marion Russell
, Thomas Moran
and Albert Beirstadt.
for the residue of the term or until the disability shall be removed.
If, during a vacancy of the office of Governor, the Lieutenant Governor shall be impeached, displaced, resign, die or be absent from the State, or become incapable of performing the duties of the office, the President pro tempore of the Oklahoma Senate
, shall act as Governor until the vacancy be filled or the disability shall cease; and if the President, Pro Tempore, of the Senate, for any of the above enumerated causes, shall become incapable of performing the duties pertaining to the office of Governor, the Speaker of the Oklahoma House of Representatives
shall act as Governor until the vacancy be filled or the disability shall cease.
The authority of an emergency interim successor to the Governor may only act after a man-made or natural emergency or disaster has occurred in the United States. The Oklahoma Legislature
, by concurrent resolution
, may, at any time, terminate the authority of any emergency interim successor to exercise the powers and discharge the duties of the Governor.
and the Oklahoma Emergency Interim Executive and Judicial Succession Act
, the line of succession to the Governorship is as follows:
Head of State
A head of state is the individual that serves as the chief public representative of a monarchy, republic, federation, commonwealth or other kind of state. His or her role generally includes legitimizing the state and exercising the political powers, functions, and duties granted to the head of...
for the state of Oklahoma
Oklahoma
Oklahoma is a state located in the South Central region of the United States of America. With an estimated 3,751,351 residents as of the 2010 census and a land area of 68,667 square miles , Oklahoma is the 28th most populous and 20th-largest state...
, United States
United States
The United States of America is a federal constitutional republic comprising fifty states and a federal district...
. Under the Oklahoma Constitution
Oklahoma Constitution
The Constitution of the State of Oklahoma is the governing document of the U.S. State of Oklahoma. Adopted in 1907, Oklahoma ratified the United States Constitution on November 16, 1907, as the 46th US State. At its ratification, the Oklahoma Constitution was the longest governing document of any...
, the governor is also the head of government
Head of government
Head of government is the chief officer of the executive branch of a government, often presiding over a cabinet. In a parliamentary system, the head of government is often styled prime minister, chief minister, premier, etc...
, serving as the chief executive of the Oklahoma executive branch, of the government of Oklahoma
Government of Oklahoma
The government of the US State of Oklahoma, established by the Oklahoma Constitution, is a republican democracy modeled after the Federal government of the United States. The state government has three branches: the executive, legislative, and judicial...
. The governor is the ex officio Commander-in-Chief
Commander-in-Chief
A commander-in-chief is the commander of a nation's military forces or significant element of those forces. In the latter case, the force element may be defined as those forces within a particular region or those forces which are associated by function. As a practical term it refers to the military...
of the Oklahoma National Guard
Oklahoma National Guard
The Oklahoma National Guard, a division of the Oklahoma Department of the Military, is the component of the United States National Guard in the U.S. state of Oklahoma. It comprises both Army and Air National Guard components. The Governor of Oklahoma is Commander-in-Chief of the Oklahoma National...
when not called into federal
Federal government of the United States
The federal government of the United States is the national government of the constitutional republic of fifty states that is the United States of America. The federal government comprises three distinct branches of government: a legislative, an executive and a judiciary. These branches and...
use. Despite being an executive branch official, the governor also possesses legislative and judicial powers. The governor's responsibilities include making yearly "State of the State" addresses to the Oklahoma Legislature
Oklahoma Legislature
The Legislature of the State of Oklahoma is the biennial meeting of the legislative branch of the government of Oklahoma. It is bicameral, comprising the Oklahoma House of Representatives and the Oklahoma Senate, with all members elected directly by the people. The House of Representatives has 101...
, submitting the annual state budget
Oklahoma state budget
The Budget of the State of Oklahoma is the Governor's proposal to the Oklahoma Legislature which recommends funding levels to operate the state government for the next fiscal year, beginning July 1...
, ensuring that state laws are enforced, and that the peace is preserved
Conservator of the Peace
A conservator of the peace is defined as a public official authorized to conserve and maintain the public peace.-Examples:Under common law, conservators of the peace included judges, police, sheriffs, and constables.The king is mentioned as the first...
.
The office was created in 1907 when Oklahoma was officially admitted to the United States
United States
The United States of America is a federal constitutional republic comprising fifty states and a federal district...
as the 46th state
U.S. state
A U.S. state is any one of the 50 federated states of the United States of America that share sovereignty with the federal government. Because of this shared sovereignty, an American is a citizen both of the federal entity and of his or her state of domicile. Four states use the official title of...
. Prior to statehood in 1907, the office was preceded by a Presidential
President of the United States
The President of the United States of America is the head of state and head of government of the United States. The president leads the executive branch of the federal government and is the commander-in-chief of the United States Armed Forces....
appointed Governor of Oklahoma Territory
Oklahoma Territory
The Territory of Oklahoma was an organized incorporated territory of the United States that existed from May 2, 1890, until November 16, 1907, when it was joined with the Indian Territory under a new constitution and admitted to the Union as the State of Oklahoma.-Organization:Oklahoma Territory's...
with similar powers.
The 27th and current Governor of Oklahoma is Mary Fallin
Mary Fallin
Mary Fallin is the 27th and current Governor of the U.S. state of Oklahoma. She was a U.S. Representative for from 2007 until 2011....
.
Creation and history
Before statehood in 1907, modern day Oklahoma was composed of OklahomaOklahoma Territory
The Territory of Oklahoma was an organized incorporated territory of the United States that existed from May 2, 1890, until November 16, 1907, when it was joined with the Indian Territory under a new constitution and admitted to the Union as the State of Oklahoma.-Organization:Oklahoma Territory's...
and Indian Territories
Indian Territory
The Indian Territory, also known as the Indian Territories and the Indian Country, was land set aside within the United States for the settlement of American Indians...
. While Indian Territory remained under the semi-independence of the Indian nations, Oklahoma Territory was organized territory under the supervision of the United States Congress
United States Congress
The United States Congress is the bicameral legislature of the federal government of the United States, consisting of the Senate and the House of Representatives. The Congress meets in the United States Capitol in Washington, D.C....
. Within the Territory, a tripartite government existed, including a Territorial Assembly, a Territorial Supreme Court, and a Territorial Governor.
The executive branch of the territory’s government was headed by the Governor of Oklahoma Territory. The governor was appointed by the President of the United States
President of the United States
The President of the United States of America is the head of state and head of government of the United States. The president leads the executive branch of the federal government and is the commander-in-chief of the United States Armed Forces....
to serve a four year term. Despite a set term, the governor served at the pleasure of the President. The President could remove the governor from office at any moment.
The Governor was the head of the Government of the Territory. He had the power to veto legislation proposed by the Territorial Legislature and the power to appoint member to his cabinet, who in turn had to be ratified by the Legislature. The Governor had the power to appoint Justices to the Territory’s Supreme Court. The Governor was responsible to the President on addressing issues in the territory and served as the representative as the federal government of the United States
Federal government of the United States
The federal government of the United States is the national government of the constitutional republic of fifty states that is the United States of America. The federal government comprises three distinct branches of government: a legislative, an executive and a judiciary. These branches and...
. He was also the Commander in Chief of the Territory’s militia.
After the Oklahoma Constitution
Oklahoma Constitution
The Constitution of the State of Oklahoma is the governing document of the U.S. State of Oklahoma. Adopted in 1907, Oklahoma ratified the United States Constitution on November 16, 1907, as the 46th US State. At its ratification, the Oklahoma Constitution was the longest governing document of any...
was written and accepted in 1907, Oklahoma and Indian Territories was joined as the State of Oklahoma
Oklahoma
Oklahoma is a state located in the South Central region of the United States of America. With an estimated 3,751,351 residents as of the 2010 census and a land area of 68,667 square miles , Oklahoma is the 28th most populous and 20th-largest state...
. The office of Territorial Governor was replaced by the Governor of Oklahoma. The new office possessed many of the Territorial Governor’s powers and similar responsibilities. However, the Governor was designed with many restrictions, limits, and Legislative and Judicial oversight. This was done under the “weak governor system” to not allow the abuse of power that had occurred under the Territorial government.
After the first governor Charles N. Haskell
Charles N. Haskell
Charles Nathaniel Haskell was an American lawyer, oilman, and statesman who served as the first Governor of Oklahoma. Haskell played a crucial role in drafting the Oklahoma Constitution as well as Oklahoma's statehood and admission into the United States as the 46th state in 1907...
left office in 1911, the executive branch saw a vast reduction in its powers. Governor Haskell, considered the father of the Oklahoma Constitution, knew the office inside and out. This allowed him to amass a great deal of executive power and influence over every aspect of state government. However, in the twenty years after Haskell, the Legislature drained the governor of his powers and severely weakened the office. It was not until William H. Murray
William H. Murray
William Henry Davis "Alfalfa Bill" Murray was an American teacher, lawyer, and politician who became active in Oklahoma before statehood as legal adviser to Governor Douglas H. Johnston of the Chickasaw Nation...
, another of the Constitution’s authors, in 1935 did the Governorship get back its powers.
As Oklahoma grew and the state government expanded, the Governor became gradually more powerful. As more agencies were introduced, the Governor’s appointment power extended to them all, granting him greater indirect influence over the government. Also, initially the Governor was not eligible to immediately succeed himself after being elected. It was not until 1966 did Oklahomans amend the Constitution to allow the Governor to serve two consecutive terms.
Requirements to hold office
Section Three of Article VI of the Oklahoma Constitution establishes the requirements a person must meet in order to become Governor. The Governor must be a citizen of the United States, be at least 31 years old, and have been resident of Oklahoma for at least ten years.Election
Gubernatorial elections are held every four years. The Governor of Oklahoma is elected directlyDirect democracy
Direct democracy is a form of government in which people vote on policy initiatives directly, as opposed to a representative democracy in which people vote for representatives who then vote on policy initiatives. Direct democracy is classically termed "pure democracy"...
by the voters of Oklahoma. After all votes are collected, the Legislature of Oklahoma shall convene in the hall of the House of Representatives and the Speaker of the House of Representatives announce the results of the elections in the presence of a majority of each branch of the Legislature.
The persons having the highest number of votes for the office of the Governor shall be declared duly elected. However, in case two or more shall have an equal and the highest number of votes for the office of Governor, the Legislature shall, by joint ballot, choose one of the said persons having an equal and the highest number of votes for the office of Governor.
Term(s) of office
Under Section Four in Article VI of the Oklahoma ConstitutionOklahoma Constitution
The Constitution of the State of Oklahoma is the governing document of the U.S. State of Oklahoma. Adopted in 1907, Oklahoma ratified the United States Constitution on November 16, 1907, as the 46th US State. At its ratification, the Oklahoma Constitution was the longest governing document of any...
, the Governor serves a four year term in office beginning on the second Monday in January. Also, the same Section provides that no person may hold the office of Governor for more than two terms consecutively. It makes no reference to limits to total number of terms held.
Last election
Relationship with the Lieutenant Governor
The Lieutenant Governor of OklahomaLieutenant Governor of Oklahoma
The Lieutenant Governor of Oklahoma is the second-highest executive official of the state government of Oklahoma. As first in the gubernatorial line of succession, the Lieutenant Governor becomes the new Governor of Oklahoma upon the death, resignation, or removal of the Governor...
is elected at the same election as the Governor, but not jointly as the running mate
Running mate
A running mate is a person running together with another person on a joint ticket during an election. The term is most often used in reference to the person in the subordinate position but can also properly be used when referring to both candidates, such as "Michael Dukakis and Lloyd Bentsen were...
of the gubernatorial candidate. With Lieutenant Governor Todd Lamb
Todd Lamb
Todd Lamb is an American writer and director based out of New York City. He has written under the moniker Rock Ninja, as well as his birth name. He created the popular Rock Ninja! concert reviews that recurred in The SF Weekly . This editorial series featured a ninja who would attend concerts and...
in office, Oklahoma has a Governor and a Lieutenant governor of the same party, as both Governor Mary Fallin
Mary Fallin
Mary Fallin is the 27th and current Governor of the U.S. state of Oklahoma. She was a U.S. Representative for from 2007 until 2011....
and Lieutenant Governor Lamb are of the Republican Party.
The event of having a Governor and Lieutenant of different parties has become more frequent ever since Republicans had made gains in state wide elections. Democratic Lieutenant Governor Leo Winters and Republican Governor Henry Bellmon
Henry Bellmon
Henry Louis "Harry" Bellmon was an American Republican politician from Oklahoma. He was a member of the Oklahoma Legislature, the 18th and 23rd Governor of Oklahoma , and a two-term United States Senator.-Service in World War II:Bellmon was born in Tonkawa, Oklahoma and graduated from Billings...
in 1963 was the first instance of this occurrence. Since then this has happened three more times; in 1967 with Republican Governor Dewey F. Bartlett
Dewey F. Bartlett
Dewey Follett Bartlett, Sr. , a U.S. politician, served as the 19th Governor of Oklahoma from 1967 to 1971, following his same-party Republican predecessor, Henry Bellmon. State law at that time did not allow consecutive terms for governor. In 1966, he was elected governor after defeating the...
and Democratic Lieutenant Governor George Nigh
George Nigh
George Patterson Nigh , is a popular civic leader in the U.S. state of Oklahoma. Nigh served as the 17th and the 22nd Governor of Oklahoma. He was the first Oklahoma Governor to be re-elected and the first to win all 77 counties in the state...
, in 1987 with Republican Governor Henry Bellmon
Henry Bellmon
Henry Louis "Harry" Bellmon was an American Republican politician from Oklahoma. He was a member of the Oklahoma Legislature, the 18th and 23rd Governor of Oklahoma , and a two-term United States Senator.-Service in World War II:Bellmon was born in Tonkawa, Oklahoma and graduated from Billings...
and Democratic Lieutenant Governor Robert S. Kerr III, and in 2002 with Democratic Governor Brad Henry and Republican Lieutenant Governor Mary Fallin.
When a Governor and Lieutenant Governor are of the same party, the Governor often uses the Lieutenant as the head of board, agency, or commission. This can been seen when Governor Frank Keating
Frank Keating
Francis Anthony "Frank" Keating is an American politician from Oklahoma. Keating served as the 25th Governor of Oklahoma. His first term began in 1995 and ended in 1999...
appointed Mary Fallin
Mary Fallin
Mary Fallin is the 27th and current Governor of the U.S. state of Oklahoma. She was a U.S. Representative for from 2007 until 2011....
to serve as his Secretary State Small Business Advocate within his Cabinet
Oklahoma State Cabinet
The Cabinet of the Governor of Oklahoma is a body of the most senior appointed officials of the executive branch of the government of Oklahoma. Originally an informal meeting between the Governor of Oklahoma and various government officials, the Governor's Cabinet has evolved into a major part of...
. However, when the Governor and Lieutenant are of different parties, the Lieutenant's role in the administration is often minimal.
This unique relationship occasionally comes into play when the Lieutenant Governor is the Acting Governor
Acting governor
An acting governor is a constitutional position created in some U.S. states when the governor dies in office or resigns. In some states, the governor may also be declared to be incapacitated and unable to function for various reasons, including illness and absence from the state for more than a...
. When acting as the Governor, the Oklahoma Constitution
Oklahoma Constitution
The Constitution of the State of Oklahoma is the governing document of the U.S. State of Oklahoma. Adopted in 1907, Oklahoma ratified the United States Constitution on November 16, 1907, as the 46th US State. At its ratification, the Oklahoma Constitution was the longest governing document of any...
provides all the powers of the Governor to the Lieutenant Governor. This includes the power of signing or veto
Veto
A veto, Latin for "I forbid", is the power of an officer of the state to unilaterally stop an official action, especially enactment of a piece of legislation...
ing legislation, making political appointments, calling out the Oklahoma National Guard
Oklahoma National Guard
The Oklahoma National Guard, a division of the Oklahoma Department of the Military, is the component of the United States National Guard in the U.S. state of Oklahoma. It comprises both Army and Air National Guard components. The Governor of Oklahoma is Commander-in-Chief of the Oklahoma National...
, or granting pardons. The need for the Lieutenant Governor to act as the Governor may come about due to the Governor's absences from the State, or his inability to discharge the powers and duties of the office. The Lieutenant Governor holds the powers of the Governor until the Governor returns to the state or the disability is removed.
Office of the Governor
The Office of the Governor is the State agency that support the Governor in the performance of his duties. The Office consists of the immediate staff of the Governor. The Office of the Governor is headed by the Governor's Chief of Staff. The Chief of Staff supervises the operations of the Office and serves as a key adviser to the Governor. The Office often includes communications staff, political affairs staff, legislative affairs staff, Governor's legal staff, gubernatorial appointments staff and policy development staff.Staffing
The Office usually employees between 30 and 40 staffer (depending on the budget), all which are political appointees and serve at the pleasure of the Governor. Most of those staffers work at the Governor's official office in the Oklahoma State CapitolOklahoma State Capitol
The Oklahoma State Capitol is the house of government of the U.S. state of Oklahoma. It is the building that houses the Oklahoma Legislature, and the meeting place of the Oklahoma Supreme Court. It is located along Lincoln Boulevard in Oklahoma City. The present structure includes a dome that was...
in Oklahoma City while a few work at the Governor's Office in Tulsa. An even smaller portion of those employees work at the Governor's Mansion
Oklahoma Governor's Mansion
The Oklahoma Governor's Mansion is the official residence of the Governor of Oklahoma and is located at 820 NE 23rd Street in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma.-Construction:...
as house staff.
Budget
The Governor's Office has an annual budget of over $3 million. Of that budget, the vast majority (80%) is dedicated to employee salaries and benefits. The remaining 20% is split between operating the Governor's Capitol Office, managing the Governor's Tulsa Office and upkeeping of the Governor's Mansion.Executive Powers
The Governor, according to the Oklahoma Constitution, must "take care that the laws be faithfully executed." The Governor is vested with "supreme executive powerExecutive Power
Executive Power is Vince Flynn's fifth novel, and the fourth to feature Mitch Rapp, an American agent that works for the CIA as an operative for a covert counter terrorism unit called the "Orion Team."-Plot summary:...
" as the state's "Chief Magistrate" and acts as head of the Executive department of Oklahoma, granting him the ability to issue executive orders which are binding throughout the State of Oklahoma. The Governor is the "conservator of the peace throughout the State," making him the chief peace officer
Peace officer
A law enforcement officer , in North America, is any public-sector employee or agent whose duties involve the enforcement of laws. The phrase can include police officers, prison officers, customs officers, immigration officers, bailiffs, probation officers, parole officers, auxiliary officers, and...
in the state. In his position as chief peace officer, the Governor is granted command over all state and local law enforcement agencies. In the event that regular law enforcement is unable to execute the law, the Governor, acting as Commander-in-Chief
Commander-in-Chief
A commander-in-chief is the commander of a nation's military forces or significant element of those forces. In the latter case, the force element may be defined as those forces within a particular region or those forces which are associated by function. As a practical term it refers to the military...
of Oklahoma’s state militia
Military of Oklahoma
The Militia of the State of Oklahoma, the de facto Military of Oklahoma, is the unified armed force of Oklahoma. The Oklahoma National Guard comprises the majority of the State Militia and consists of both Army and Air Guard departments....
, may call out the Oklahoma National Guard
Oklahoma National Guard
The Oklahoma National Guard, a division of the Oklahoma Department of the Military, is the component of the United States National Guard in the U.S. state of Oklahoma. It comprises both Army and Air National Guard components. The Governor of Oklahoma is Commander-in-Chief of the Oklahoma National...
to "execute the laws, protect the public health, suppress insurrection, and repel invasion." The Governor is assisted in managing the military of Oklahoma by the Adjutant General of Oklahoma
Adjutant General of Oklahoma
The Adjutant General of Oklahoma is the highest ranking military official in the state of Oklahoma, subordinate only to the Governor of Oklahoma...
, who is appointed by the Governor.
The Governor has the power to commission all officers not otherwise commissioned by the law of Oklahoma and is granted the power of appointment. When any office at the state level becomes vacant for any reason, the Governor, unless otherwise provided by law, has the power to appoint a person to fill such vacancy, who shall continue in office until a successor shall have been elected or appointed according to the law of Oklahoma. If the office of an Oklahoma Member of the United States House of Representatives or United States Senate becomes vacant the Governor calls a special election to fill the remainder of the term. In the case of United States Senators, the Governor is empowered by the U.S. Constitution to appoint someone immediately to fill the vacant Senate seat temporarily until a special election can be held.
Within the Executive branch of Oklahoma government, the Governor is assisted by the Lieutenant Governor of Oklahoma
Lieutenant Governor of Oklahoma
The Lieutenant Governor of Oklahoma is the second-highest executive official of the state government of Oklahoma. As first in the gubernatorial line of succession, the Lieutenant Governor becomes the new Governor of Oklahoma upon the death, resignation, or removal of the Governor...
, the Secretary of State of Oklahoma
Secretary of State of Oklahoma
The Secretary of State of the State of Oklahoma is the chief clerical officer of Oklahoma and a member of the Oklahoma Governor's Cabinet. The Secretary of State is only appointed constitutional member of the executive branch of the Oklahoma state government...
, the Attorney General of Oklahoma
Attorney General of Oklahoma
The Attorney General of Oklahoma is the State Attorney General for the state of Oklahoma. The Attorney General serves as the chief legal and law enforcement officer of the State of Oklahoma. The Attorney General is responsible for providing legal advise to the various agencies and departments of...
, and the State Treasurer of Oklahoma
State Treasurer of Oklahoma
The State Treasurer of Oklahoma is the chief custodian of Oklahoma’s cash deposits, monies from bond sales, and other securities and collateral and directs the investments of those assets. The Treasurer provides for the safe and efficient operation of state government through effective banking,...
, among others. While all the other high level executive offices are elected directly by the people of Oklahoma, the Secretary of State is not. The Secretary of State is appointed by the Governor with the consent of the Senate for a term of four years to run concurrently with the term of the Governor. Due to the large number of State agencies, the Governor is assisted in running the government through the use of the Oklahoma State Cabinet
Oklahoma State Cabinet
The Cabinet of the Governor of Oklahoma is a body of the most senior appointed officials of the executive branch of the government of Oklahoma. Originally an informal meeting between the Governor of Oklahoma and various government officials, the Governor's Cabinet has evolved into a major part of...
, which the Governor is allowed to organize to best serve him. Through the State Cabinet, the Governor can address the assembled heads of Oklahoma's executive branch departments which oversee all of Oklahoma's agencies. Each department is headed by a Secretary appointed by the Governor and is responsible for carrying out his executive orders through their department.
The Governor is an ex officio chairman of many state commissions and committees, such as the Oklahoma Commissioners of Land Office and the Oklahoma Ethics Commission. While not a member, the Governor has the power to appoint all or some of the members of most of the executive commissions and state commissions with the advice and consent of the Oklahoma Senate
Oklahoma Senate
The Oklahoma Senate is the upper house of the two houses of the Legislature of Oklahoma, the other being the Oklahoma House of Representatives. The total number of Senators is set at 48 by the Oklahoma Constitution....
, such as the Board of Regents of the University of Oklahoma
University of Oklahoma
The University of Oklahoma is a coeducational public research university located in Norman, Oklahoma. Founded in 1890, it existed in Oklahoma Territory near Indian Territory for 17 years before the two became the state of Oklahoma. the university had 29,931 students enrolled, most located at its...
.
The Governor is also responsible for preparing the State Budget
Oklahoma state budget
The Budget of the State of Oklahoma is the Governor's proposal to the Oklahoma Legislature which recommends funding levels to operate the state government for the next fiscal year, beginning July 1...
of Oklahoma for the next fiscal year, although the Legislature must approve it.
Legislative Powers
Like the President of the United States, the Governor plays a major role in the legislative process, even though Legislative power is vested in the Oklahoma LegislatureOklahoma Legislature
The Legislature of the State of Oklahoma is the biennial meeting of the legislative branch of the government of Oklahoma. It is bicameral, comprising the Oklahoma House of Representatives and the Oklahoma Senate, with all members elected directly by the people. The House of Representatives has 101...
. Every bill which that is passed by both the Oklahoma Senate
Oklahoma Senate
The Oklahoma Senate is the upper house of the two houses of the Legislature of Oklahoma, the other being the Oklahoma House of Representatives. The total number of Senators is set at 48 by the Oklahoma Constitution....
and Oklahoma House of Representatives
Oklahoma House of Representatives
The Oklahoma House of Representatives is the lower house of the Oklahoma Legislature, the legislative body of the U.S. state of Oklahoma. Its members are responsible for introducing and voting on bills and resolutions, providing legislative oversight for state agencies, and helping to craft the...
, and every resolution requiring the assent of both chambers of the legislature, must, before it becomes a law, be presented to the Governor. The Governor may choose to sign it or veto
Veto
A veto, Latin for "I forbid", is the power of an officer of the state to unilaterally stop an official action, especially enactment of a piece of legislation...
it and send it back to the legislature. The Governor’s veto can only be overridden by a two-thirds approval vote from each house.
The Governor’s power over appropriation bill
Appropriation bill
An appropriation bill or running bill is a legislative motion which authorizes the government to spend money. It is a bill that sets money aside for specific spending...
s is greater than that of normal bills. As with normal bills, it must be presented to the Governor for his approval. If he disapproves of any part of the bill, he may send that part of the bill back to the legislature. However, the part of which he approves becomes law. Thus, the Governor is granted the power of the line-item veto
Line-item veto
In United States government, the line-item veto, or partial veto, is the power of an executive authority to nullify or cancel specific provisions of a bill, usually a budget appropriations bill, without vetoing the entire legislative package...
. Any item, or items, so disapproved by the Governor in this manner become void, unless the Legislature re-passes them by a two-thirds vote.
Much of the legislation dealt with by the Legislature is drafted at the initiative of the Governor or his staff. In annual and special messages to the Legislature, the Governor may propose legislation he believes is necessary. The most important of these is the annual State of the State address
State of the State Address
The State of the State Address is a speech customarily given once each year by the governors of most states of the United States. The speech is customarily delivered before both houses of the state legislature sitting in joint session, with the exception of the Nebraska Legislature, which is a...
. Before a joint session of the Legislature, the Governor outlines the status of the state and his legislative proposals for the upcoming year. Also, beyond the official role as Chief Legislature, the Governor is primarily in a position to influence public opinion and thereby to influence the course of legislation in the Legislature.
The Governor has the power to convoke the legislature, or the Senate only, on extraordinary occasions. At extraordinary sessions, no subject shall be acted upon, except such as the Governor may recommend for consideration. When ever a vacancy occurs within the legislature, the Governor shall issue a writ of election
Writ of election
A writ of election is a writ issued by the government ordering the holding of a special election for a political office.In the United Kingdom and in Canada, this is the only way of holding an election for the House of Commons...
to fill such vacancies. In case of a disagreement between the two houses of the legislature, at a regular or special session, the Governor may adjourn them to such time as he shall deem proper, not beyond the day of the next stated meeting of the legislature. He may convoke the Legislature at or adjourn it to another place, when, in his opinion, the public safety or welfare, or the safety or health of the members require it. However, such a change or adjournment shall be concurred in by a two-thirds vote of all the members of each branch of the legislature.
Judicial Powers
The Governor also plays an active role within the judicial branch of Oklahoma government. Oklahoma has a Judicial Nominating CommissionOklahoma Judicial Nominating Commission
The Oklahoma Judicial Nominating Commission is the judicial nominating commission of the U.S. state of Oklahoma. It selects potential justices and judges for gubernatorial appointments for judges for state appellate courts.-History:...
consisting of thirteen members that review all potential Justices and Judges of Oklahoma's appellate courts, such as the Oklahoma Supreme Court
Oklahoma Supreme Court
The Supreme Court of Oklahoma is one of the two highest judicial bodies in the U.S. state of Oklahoma and leads the Oklahoma Court System, the judicial branch of the government of Oklahoma....
, and review them to determine if they qualify to hold their respective positions. Of these thirteen members, the Governor appoints six without the consent of the legislature. All of the Governor's appointments serve for a term of six years each; the terms are staggered so that approximately one-third of the appointments become vacant every two years.
In the event of a vacancy upon the Supreme Court or on the Court of Criminal Appeals, the Judicial Nominating Committee shall choose and submit to the Governor and the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court three nominees, each of whom has previously notified the Commission in writing that he will serve as a Justice if appointed. Once three potential Justices or Judges are approved by the Judicial Nominating Committee, the Governor appoints one to serve on the Court. If the Governor fails to do appoint a nominee within sixty days, the Chief Justice of Oklahoma shall appoint one of the nominees. After the Justice's or Judge's first six years in office, they must stand for retainment by the people of Oklahoma for another six year term.
The Governor also possess the power to grant commutations, pardons and parole
Parole
Parole may have different meanings depending on the field and judiciary system. All of the meanings originated from the French parole . Following its use in late-resurrected Anglo-French chivalric practice, the term became associated with the release of prisoners based on prisoners giving their...
s for all offenses, except cases of impeachment
Impeachment
Impeachment is a formal process in which an official is accused of unlawful activity, the outcome of which, depending on the country, may include the removal of that official from office as well as other punishment....
, upon such conditions and with such restrictions and limitations as he may deem proper, subject to such regulations as may be prescribed by law. However, the Governor shall not have the power to grant paroles if a convict has been sentenced to death or sentenced to life imprisonment without parole. In order to grant a pardon to an individual, he must submit the name of the individual to the Oklahoma Pardon and Parole Board
Oklahoma Pardon and Parole Board
The Oklahoma Pardon and Parole Board is the parole board of the state of Oklahoma. The Board was created by an amendment to the Oklahoma Constitution in 1944...
composed of five members, three of which are appointed by the Governor at the beginning of his term in office to serve a term that coincides with his own. After reviewing the applicant for clemency, and a favorable vote from the majority, the Board may empower the Governor to make such acts of clemency as he deems necessary.
The Governor, however, shall have power to grant after conviction, reprieves, or a leave of absence
Leave of absence
Leave of absence is a term used to describe a period of time that one is to be away from his/her primary job, while maintaining the status of employee...
not to exceed sixty days, without the action of the Board. He shall communicate to the Legislature, at each regular session, each case of reprieve, commutation, parole or pardon, granted, stating the name of the convict, the crime of which he was convicted, the date and place of conviction, and the date of commutation, pardon, parole and reprieve
Foreign relations
The Governor, as Oklahoma’s head of state, serves as the chief representative of Oklahoma to the United States and to the world. All deals between Oklahoma and any foreign power (including other US States and the United StatesUnited States
The United States of America is a federal constitutional republic comprising fifty states and a federal district...
) are negotiated by the Governor. This is reflecting the Governor's position as the spokesman for the state and the state’s interests to other state and world leaders. However, the Governor may not make treaties
Treaty
A treaty is an express agreement under international law entered into by actors in international law, namely sovereign states and international organizations. A treaty may also be known as an agreement, protocol, covenant, convention or exchange of letters, among other terms...
with other nations or other Union states, as this is prevented by the United States Constitution
United States Constitution
The Constitution of the United States is the supreme law of the United States of America. It is the framework for the organization of the United States government and for the relationship of the federal government with the states, citizens, and all people within the United States.The first three...
.
In discharging his duty as chief spokesman, the Governor may be required to testify before the United States Congress
United States Congress
The United States Congress is the bicameral legislature of the federal government of the United States, consisting of the Senate and the House of Representatives. The Congress meets in the United States Capitol in Washington, D.C....
or meet with the President of the United States
President of the United States
The President of the United States of America is the head of state and head of government of the United States. The president leads the executive branch of the federal government and is the commander-in-chief of the United States Armed Forces....
to address national issues that may affect the state. Also, it is the Governor’s responsibility to promote Oklahoma’s industries to the world economy as the spokesman for industrial development within the state. Along with those responsibilities comes the role of chief promoter of Oklahoma’s goods and services to foreign consumers.
The Governor also plays a significant role in national politics. As the representative of Oklahoma, the Governor heads, on a state level, the political party
Political party
A political party is a political organization that typically seeks to influence government policy, usually by nominating their own candidates and trying to seat them in political office. Parties participate in electoral campaigns, educational outreach or protest actions...
that he may belong to. In this position, the Governor serves as the state’s leader in selecting a party candidate to run for the office of President. Additionally, as Oklahoma’s Head of State, the Governor is Oklahoma to rest of the world. The Governor may travel through the country to promote Oklahoma in a general interest or travel abroad to serve as proponent of America’s interests.
Emergency powers
Pursuant to the Oklahoma Emergency Management Act of 2003Oklahoma Emergency Management Act of 2003
The Oklahoma Emergency Management Act of 2003 is an Oklahoma state law that replaced the Oklahoma Civil Defense and Emergency Resources Management Act of 1967 as the primary state law detailing emergency management in Oklahoma...
and the Catastrophic Health Emergency Powers Act
Catastrophic Health Emergency Powers Act
The Catastrophic Health Emergency Powers Act , often referred to as the Health Emergency Act, is an Oklahoma state law that details the response to a catastrophic health emergency in Oklahoma created as a result of a nuclear weapon, bioterrorism, a chemical weapon or other biological toxin...
, in the event that a natural or man-made emergency or a catastrophic health emergency occurs or is anticipated in the immediate future, the Governor’s gains several emergency powers
State of emergency
A state of emergency is a governmental declaration that may suspend some normal functions of the executive, legislative and judicial powers, alert citizens to change their normal behaviours, or order government agencies to implement emergency preparedness plans. It can also be used as a rationale...
to better respond to the emergency and combat the threat. Either the Governor through executive order or the Oklahoma Legislature
Oklahoma Legislature
The Legislature of the State of Oklahoma is the biennial meeting of the legislative branch of the government of Oklahoma. It is bicameral, comprising the Oklahoma House of Representatives and the Oklahoma Senate, with all members elected directly by the people. The House of Representatives has 101...
through concurrent resolution
Concurrent resolution
A concurrent resolution is a resolution adopted by both houses of a bicameral legislature that lacks the force of law and does not require the approval of the chief executive.-United States Congress:...
may declare a state of emergency. Once declared, the Governor may exercise his additional emergency powers. At any time, the Governor (through executive order) or the Legislature (through concurrent resolution) may declare an end to the state of emergency and suspend the Governor's emergency powers.
Upon the declaration of an emergency, the Governor is allowed a limited-form of rule by decree
Rule by decree
Rule by decree is a style of governance allowing quick, unchallenged creation of law by a single person or group, and is used primarily by dictators and absolute monarchs, although philosophers such as Giorgio Agamben have argued that it has been generalized since World War I in all modern states,...
. He assumes direct regulatory control over all essential resources of the state. It will then be the responsibility of the Governor to determine the priorities of such resources and allocate them as the Governor may deem necessary. These resources include, but are not limited to, food, manpower, health and health manpower, water, transportation, economic stabilization, electric power, petroleum, gas, and solid fuel, industrial production, construction and housing.
The focus of the Governor's emergency powers is to ensure the security and stability of the state. As such, the Governor gains vast and comprehensive police power
Police power
In United States constitutional law, police power is the capacity of the states to regulate behavior and enforce order within their territory for the betterment of the general welfare, morals, health, and safety of their inhabitants...
s. In discharging those power to enforce all laws, rules and regulations relating to emergency management
Emergency management
Emergency management is the generic name of an interdisciplinary field dealing with the strategic organizational management processes used to protect critical assets of an organization from hazard risks that can cause events like disasters or catastrophes and to ensure the continuance of the...
, the Governor assumes direct operational control of any or all emergency management forces of the state, including the Oklahoma National Guard
Oklahoma National Guard
The Oklahoma National Guard, a division of the Oklahoma Department of the Military, is the component of the United States National Guard in the U.S. state of Oklahoma. It comprises both Army and Air National Guard components. The Governor of Oklahoma is Commander-in-Chief of the Oklahoma National...
, state police agencies, state and local health departments, as well as county sheriff's and local police departments. These emergency police powers extend to providing for the evacuation of all or part of the state’s population from any affected or threatened area or areas within the state, regulating the conduct of civilians and the movement of pedestrians and vehicular traffic, and regulating public meetings and gatherings. The Governor is responsible for providing for the care of all those regulated by his orders.
During a state of emergency, the Governor is authorized to utilize the services, equipment, supplies and facilities of all departments, offices and agencies of the state to the maximum extent practicable. All state, county, and local officers and personnel must cooperate with the Governor in emergency management upon his direction. Any state, county, or local official that willful fails to obey any order, rule or regulation issued by the Governor may be removed from office by the Governor. However, before removal, officer must receives the charges against them and have an opportunity to defend themselves. Pending the presentation of charges, the Governor may suspend such officers for a period not to exceed thirty days. Any vacancy resulting from removal or suspension shall be filled by the Governor until it is filled as provided by state law. However, according to the Oklahoma Constitution
Oklahoma Constitution
The Constitution of the State of Oklahoma is the governing document of the U.S. State of Oklahoma. Adopted in 1907, Oklahoma ratified the United States Constitution on November 16, 1907, as the 46th US State. At its ratification, the Oklahoma Constitution was the longest governing document of any...
, the Governor may not remove from office the elective state executive officers, the Justices of the Oklahoma Supreme Court
Oklahoma Supreme Court
The Supreme Court of Oklahoma is one of the two highest judicial bodies in the U.S. state of Oklahoma and leads the Oklahoma Court System, the judicial branch of the government of Oklahoma....
, the Judges of the Oklahoma Court of Criminal Appeals
Oklahoma Court of Criminal Appeals
The Oklahoma Court of Criminal Appeals is one of the two highest judicial bodies in the U.S. state of Oklahoma and is part of the Oklahoma Court System, the judicial branch of the Oklahoma state government....
, and members of the Oklahoma Legislature
Oklahoma Legislature
The Legislature of the State of Oklahoma is the biennial meeting of the legislative branch of the government of Oklahoma. It is bicameral, comprising the Oklahoma House of Representatives and the Oklahoma Senate, with all members elected directly by the people. The House of Representatives has 101...
.
When carrying out the functions of his emergency powers, the Governor is immune from civilly liable for any loss or injury resulting from any decision, determination, order or action in the performance of his assigned duties and responsibilities during a stated emergency. However, this immunity does not apply when such loss or injury is caused by the gross negligence, or willfully and unnecessarily act by the Governor.
Residence
Since 1928, the Governor of Oklahoma has resided in the Oklahoma Governor's MansionOklahoma Governor's Mansion
The Oklahoma Governor's Mansion is the official residence of the Governor of Oklahoma and is located at 820 NE 23rd Street in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma.-Construction:...
. Before its construction, Governors lived in various locations around Guthrie
Guthrie
-People:*Guthrie , for information on the nameSurname* A. B. Guthrie, Jr.* Allan Guthrie* Arlo Guthrie, American folk singer, son of Woody Guthrie* Bruce Guthrie* Charles Guthrie, Baron Guthrie of Craigiebank...
and Oklahoma City
Oklahoma city
Oklahoma City is the capital and largest city of the U.S. state of Oklahoma.Oklahoma City may also refer to:*Oklahoma City metropolitan area*Downtown Oklahoma City*Uptown Oklahoma City*Oklahoma City bombing*Oklahoma City National Memorial...
. Governor Charles N. Haskell
Charles N. Haskell
Charles Nathaniel Haskell was an American lawyer, oilman, and statesman who served as the first Governor of Oklahoma. Haskell played a crucial role in drafting the Oklahoma Constitution as well as Oklahoma's statehood and admission into the United States as the 46th state in 1907...
set up his administration's office and has official residence within a hotel
Hotel
A hotel is an establishment that provides paid lodging on a short-term basis. The provision of basic accommodation, in times past, consisting only of a room with a bed, a cupboard, a small table and a washstand has largely been replaced by rooms with modern facilities, including en-suite bathrooms...
in Oklahoma City. The Legislature provided for the construction of an official residence after years of debat in 1927. The next year, in 1928, the Mansion was completed.
Built by an Oklahoma City architectural firm, Layton, Hicks and Forsyth, the Mansion is of Dutch-Colonial style. Carthage limestone
Limestone
Limestone is a sedimentary rock composed largely of the minerals calcite and aragonite, which are different crystal forms of calcium carbonate . Many limestones are composed from skeletal fragments of marine organisms such as coral or foraminifera....
was used so the exterior of the Mansion would complement the Oklahoma State Capitol
Oklahoma State Capitol
The Oklahoma State Capitol is the house of government of the U.S. state of Oklahoma. It is the building that houses the Oklahoma Legislature, and the meeting place of the Oklahoma Supreme Court. It is located along Lincoln Boulevard in Oklahoma City. The present structure includes a dome that was...
, which is located to the west of the Mansion. The legislature allocated $100,000 of state money ($75,000 for construction and $25,000 for furnishing) to the project. Two years later, another $39,000 was set aside to complete outbuildings and landscaping. Though originally having 19 rooms, today the 14000 square feet (1,300.6 m²) Mansion has 12, including a library, parlor, dining room, grand ballroom, kitchen, sunroom and five bedrooms.
The Mansion also serves as an active museum. Throughout the Mansion, antiques and artwork from both museum and private collections can be found. The Mansion's museum is designed to provide a glimpse into Oklahoma's history and culture. Artists represented in oil and bronze include N.C. Wyeth, Charles Marion Russell
Charles Marion Russell
Charles Marion Russell , also known as C. M. Russell, Charlie Russell, and "Kid" Russell, was an artist of the Old American West. Russell created more than 2,000 paintings of cowboys, Indians, and landscapes set in the Western United States, in addition to bronze sculptures...
, Thomas Moran
Thomas Moran
Thomas Moran from Bolton, England was an American painter and printmaker of the Hudson River School in New York whose work often featured the Rocky Mountains. Moran and his family took residence in New York where he obtained work as an artist...
and Albert Beirstadt.
Succession
In case of impeachment of the Governor, or of their death, failure to qualify, resignation, removal from the State, or inability to discharge the powers and duties of the office, the office of Governor, with its compensation, shall devolve upon the Lieutenant Governor of OklahomaLieutenant Governor of Oklahoma
The Lieutenant Governor of Oklahoma is the second-highest executive official of the state government of Oklahoma. As first in the gubernatorial line of succession, the Lieutenant Governor becomes the new Governor of Oklahoma upon the death, resignation, or removal of the Governor...
for the residue of the term or until the disability shall be removed.
If, during a vacancy of the office of Governor, the Lieutenant Governor shall be impeached, displaced, resign, die or be absent from the State, or become incapable of performing the duties of the office, the President pro tempore of the Oklahoma Senate
President pro tempore of the Oklahoma Senate
The President pro tempore of the Oklahoma Senate is the second-highest-ranking official of the Oklahoma Senate and the highest-ranking State Senator. The Oklahoma Constitution states the Lieutenant Governor of Oklahoma serves ex officio as President of the Senate, and is the highest-ranking...
, shall act as Governor until the vacancy be filled or the disability shall cease; and if the President, Pro Tempore, of the Senate, for any of the above enumerated causes, shall become incapable of performing the duties pertaining to the office of Governor, the Speaker of the Oklahoma House of Representatives
Speaker of the Oklahoma House of Representatives
The Speaker of the Oklahoma House of Representatives is the presiding officer of the lower house of the Oklahoma Legislature, the Oklahoma House of Representatives. The Speaker exercises administrative and procedural functions in the House, but most importantly remains a representative of his...
shall act as Governor until the vacancy be filled or the disability shall cease.
Emergency interim successor
If, for any reason, the Governor is unable to exercise their powers and discharge the duties of the office and the Lieutenant Governor, President pro tempore of the Senate, and Speaker of the House are unable to act as Governor, then the next official in the line of succession becomes the emergency interim successor. As the emergency interim successor to the Governor, the officer may exercise the powers and discharge the duties of the Governor until a new Governor is elected or until the disability is removed from the Governor or higher official. In no event, however, shall the emergency interim successor serve as Governor.The authority of an emergency interim successor to the Governor may only act after a man-made or natural emergency or disaster has occurred in the United States. The Oklahoma Legislature
Oklahoma Legislature
The Legislature of the State of Oklahoma is the biennial meeting of the legislative branch of the government of Oklahoma. It is bicameral, comprising the Oklahoma House of Representatives and the Oklahoma Senate, with all members elected directly by the people. The House of Representatives has 101...
, by concurrent resolution
Concurrent resolution
A concurrent resolution is a resolution adopted by both houses of a bicameral legislature that lacks the force of law and does not require the approval of the chief executive.-United States Congress:...
, may, at any time, terminate the authority of any emergency interim successor to exercise the powers and discharge the duties of the Governor.
Line of succession
As provided by the Oklahoma ConstitutionOklahoma Constitution
The Constitution of the State of Oklahoma is the governing document of the U.S. State of Oklahoma. Adopted in 1907, Oklahoma ratified the United States Constitution on November 16, 1907, as the 46th US State. At its ratification, the Oklahoma Constitution was the longest governing document of any...
and the Oklahoma Emergency Interim Executive and Judicial Succession Act
Oklahoma Emergency Interim Executive and Judicial Succession Act
The Emergency Interim Executive and Judicial Succession Act is an Oklahoma state law governing emergency succession to the all offices of the state and local governments, excluding the members of the Oklahoma Legislature, which are governed by the Oklahoma Emergency Management Interim Legislative...
, the line of succession to the Governorship is as follows:
| # | Office | Current Officer |
|---|---|---|
| May succeed to Governorship | ||
| Governor of Oklahoma | Mary Fallin Mary Fallin Mary Fallin is the 27th and current Governor of the U.S. state of Oklahoma. She was a U.S. Representative for from 2007 until 2011.... |
|
| 1 | Lieutenant Governor of Oklahoma Lieutenant Governor of Oklahoma The Lieutenant Governor of Oklahoma is the second-highest executive official of the state government of Oklahoma. As first in the gubernatorial line of succession, the Lieutenant Governor becomes the new Governor of Oklahoma upon the death, resignation, or removal of the Governor... |
Todd Lamb Todd Lamb (politician) Todd Lamb is a Republican United States politician from Oklahoma who is currently serving as the 16th Lieutenant Governor of Oklahoma, was a member of the Oklahoma Senate from 2004 to 2011. For the 52nd Oklahoma Legislature, Lamb's fellow Republican Senators elected him as their Majority Floor... |
| 2 | President Pro Tempore of the Senate President pro tempore of the Oklahoma Senate The President pro tempore of the Oklahoma Senate is the second-highest-ranking official of the Oklahoma Senate and the highest-ranking State Senator. The Oklahoma Constitution states the Lieutenant Governor of Oklahoma serves ex officio as President of the Senate, and is the highest-ranking... |
Brian Bingman Brian Bingman Brian Bingman is a Republican United States politician from the U.S. state of Oklahoma and is the President Pro Tempore of the Oklahoma Senate.... |
| 3 | Speaker of the House of Representatives Speaker of the Oklahoma House of Representatives The Speaker of the Oklahoma House of Representatives is the presiding officer of the lower house of the Oklahoma Legislature, the Oklahoma House of Representatives. The Speaker exercises administrative and procedural functions in the House, but most importantly remains a representative of his... |
Kris Steele Kris Steele Kris Steele is a United States politician from the U.S. state of Oklahoma. Steele currently serves in the Oklahoma House of Representatives as the Speaker of the House, a position he took over after the 2010 elections.... |
| May serve as Emergency Interim Successor | ||
| 4 | State Auditor and Inspector Oklahoma State Auditor and Inspector The Oklahoma State Auditor and Inspector is the chief financial officer for the U.S. State of Oklahoma. The State Auditor and Inspector is responsible for overseeing and reviewing the financial accounts of all government agencies within Oklahoma.... |
Gary Jones Gary Jones (Oklahoma politician) Gary Jones is a United States businessman and Republican politician from the U.S. state of Oklahoma. He is the current Oklahoma State Auditor and Inspector.-Personal:... |
| 5 | Attorney General Attorney General of Oklahoma The Attorney General of Oklahoma is the State Attorney General for the state of Oklahoma. The Attorney General serves as the chief legal and law enforcement officer of the State of Oklahoma. The Attorney General is responsible for providing legal advise to the various agencies and departments of... |
Scott Pruitt Scott Pruitt Scott Pruitt is a United States lawyer and Republican politician from the U.S. state of Oklahoma. He is the current Oklahoma Attorney General.Pruitt was a State Senator, representing Tulsa and Wagoner counties from 1998 until 2006... |
| 6 | State Treasurer State Treasurer of Oklahoma The State Treasurer of Oklahoma is the chief custodian of Oklahoma’s cash deposits, monies from bond sales, and other securities and collateral and directs the investments of those assets. The Treasurer provides for the safe and efficient operation of state government through effective banking,... |
Ken Miller Ken A. Miller Kenneth A. "Ken" Miller is an American educator and Republican politician from Oklahoma. Miller is the 18th and current Oklahoma State Treasurer, having won that position in the 2010 state election.... |
| 7 | State School Superintendent | Janet Barresi |
| 8 | Labor Commissioner Oklahoma Labor Commissioner The Oklahoma Commissioner of Labor is an elective executive officer of the State of Oklahoma. The Labor Commissioner serves as the head of the Oklahoma Department of Labor... |
Mark Costello Mark Costello (Oklahoma politician) -Personal life:Costello is a fourth generation Oklahoman, born and raised in Bartlesville. After graduating from Bartlesville's College High, he put himself through the University of Kansas by working summers on oil rigs in and around the North Sea. He has been married for 28 years and has 5... |
| 9 | Insurance Commissioner Oklahoma Insurance Commissioner The Oklahoma Insurance Commissioner is an elected executive officer of the state of Oklahoma. The Insurance Commissioner serves as the head of the Oklahoma Department of Insurance. The Insurance Department is charged with executing of all laws relating to insurance and insurance companies doing... |
John Doak John D. Doak John D. Doak is an American Republican politician from Oklahoma who is serving as the 12th and current Oklahoma Insurance Commissioner.- Biography :... |
| 10 | Corporation Commissioner Oklahoma Corporation Commission The Oklahoma Corporation Commission is the public utilities commission of the state of Oklahoma run by three state-wide elected Commissioners, assisted by over 400 employees... (by length of tenure) |
Bob Anthony Bob Anthony Bob Anthony is a Republican politician from the U.S. state of Oklahoma. Anthony is currently serving his fourth consecutive six-year term on the Oklahoma Corporation Commission, where he has served since 1989... |
| 11 | Corporation Commissioner Oklahoma Corporation Commission The Oklahoma Corporation Commission is the public utilities commission of the state of Oklahoma run by three state-wide elected Commissioners, assisted by over 400 employees... |
Jeff Cloud Jeff Cloud (politician) Jeff Cloud is an American Republican politician from the U.S. state of Oklahoma. Jeff Cloud was elected statewide to a six-year term on the Oklahoma Corporation Commission on November 5, 2002, and assumed the chairmanship of the Commission in June 2005... |
| 12 | Corporation Commissioner Oklahoma Corporation Commission The Oklahoma Corporation Commission is the public utilities commission of the state of Oklahoma run by three state-wide elected Commissioners, assisted by over 400 employees... |
Dana Murphy Dana Murphy Dana Murphy is a Republican politician from the U.S. state of Oklahoma. Murphy is currently serving her second term, and first full term, on the Oklahoma Corporation Commission.... |
Oath of office
"I, ........., do solemnly swear (or affirm) that I will support, obey, and defend the Constitution of the United States, and the Constitution of the State of Oklahoma, and that I will not, knowingly, receive, directly or indirectly, any money or other valuable thing, for the performance or nonperformance of any act or duty pertaining to my office, other than the compensation allowed by law; I further swear (or affirm) that I will faithfully discharge my duties as Governor of the State of Oklahoma to the best of my ability."Age and longevity
- Between the births of Charles N. HaskellCharles N. HaskellCharles Nathaniel Haskell was an American lawyer, oilman, and statesman who served as the first Governor of Oklahoma. Haskell played a crucial role in drafting the Oklahoma Constitution as well as Oklahoma's statehood and admission into the United States as the 46th state in 1907...
in 1860 and Brad HenryBrad HenryCharles Bradford "Brad" Henry was the 26th Governor of the U.S. state of Oklahoma. A member of the Democratic Party, he was elected governor in 2002...
in 1963, future governors have been born in every decade - Between the deaths of Lee CruceLee CruceLee Cruce was the second Governor of Oklahoma. Running against Charles N. Haskell in 1907 in the Democratic primaries, Lee would not receive the party's nomination for Oklahoma's first Governor...
in 1933 and Henry BellmonHenry BellmonHenry Louis "Harry" Bellmon was an American Republican politician from Oklahoma. He was a member of the Oklahoma Legislature, the 18th and 23rd Governor of Oklahoma , and a two-term United States Senator.-Service in World War II:Bellmon was born in Tonkawa, Oklahoma and graduated from Billings...
in 2009, former governors have died in every decade except in the 1980s - Governors have been born in ten states and the federal district
- OklahomaOklahomaOklahoma is a state located in the South Central region of the United States of America. With an estimated 3,751,351 residents as of the 2010 census and a land area of 68,667 square miles , Oklahoma is the 28th most populous and 20th-largest state...
- KansasKansasKansas is a US state located in the Midwestern United States. It is named after the Kansas River which flows through it, which in turn was named after the Kansa Native American tribe, which inhabited the area. The tribe's name is often said to mean "people of the wind" or "people of the south...
- OhioOhioOhio is a Midwestern state in the United States. The 34th largest state by area in the U.S.,it is the 7th‑most populous with over 11.5 million residents, containing several major American cities and seven metropolitan areas with populations of 500,000 or more.The state's capital is Columbus...
- TexasTexasTexas is the second largest U.S. state by both area and population, and the largest state by area in the contiguous United States.The name, based on the Caddo word "Tejas" meaning "friends" or "allies", was applied by the Spanish to the Caddo themselves and to the region of their settlement in...
- ArkansasArkansasArkansas is a state located in the southern region of the United States. Its name is an Algonquian name of the Quapaw Indians. Arkansas shares borders with six states , and its eastern border is largely defined by the Mississippi River...
- MissouriMissouriMissouri is a US state located in the Midwestern United States, bordered by Iowa, Illinois, Kentucky, Tennessee, Arkansas, Oklahoma, Kansas and Nebraska. With a 2010 population of 5,988,927, Missouri is the 18th most populous state in the nation and the fifth most populous in the Midwest. It...
- PennsylvaniaPennsylvaniaThe Commonwealth of Pennsylvania is a U.S. state that is located in the Northeastern and Mid-Atlantic regions of the United States. The state borders Delaware and Maryland to the south, West Virginia to the southwest, Ohio to the west, New York and Ontario, Canada, to the north, and New Jersey to...
- AlabamaAlabamaAlabama is a state located in the southeastern region of the United States. It is bordered by Tennessee to the north, Georgia to the east, Florida and the Gulf of Mexico to the south, and Mississippi to the west. Alabama ranks 30th in total land area and ranks second in the size of its inland...
- KentuckyKentuckyThe Commonwealth of Kentucky is a state located in the East Central United States of America. As classified by the United States Census Bureau, Kentucky is a Southern state, more specifically in the East South Central region. Kentucky is one of four U.S. states constituted as a commonwealth...
- IndianaIndianaIndiana is a US state, admitted to the United States as the 19th on December 11, 1816. It is located in the Midwestern United States and Great Lakes Region. With 6,483,802 residents, the state is ranked 15th in population and 16th in population density. Indiana is ranked 38th in land area and is...
- Washington, D.C.Washington, D.C.Washington, D.C., formally the District of Columbia and commonly referred to as Washington, "the District", or simply D.C., is the capital of the United States. On July 16, 1790, the United States Congress approved the creation of a permanent national capital as permitted by the U.S. Constitution....
- Oklahoma
- Governors have been born in ten counties in Oklahoma
- Muskogee County, OklahomaMuskogee County, OklahomaMuskogee County is a county located in the U.S. state of Oklahoma. As of 2010, the population was 70,990. Its county seat is Muskogee.-Government:...
- Oklahoma County, OklahomaOklahoma County, OklahomaOklahoma County is a county located in the central partof the U.S. state of Oklahoma. The population was 718,633 at the 2010 census. The county seat and principal city is Oklahoma City...
- Marshall County, OklahomaMarshall County, OklahomaMarshall County is a county located in the U.S. state of Oklahoma. As of 2000, the population was 13,184. Its county seat is Madill. The county's population grew at a rate of 35% in the 1990s and now it has a new population estimate at 20,000. Marshall County is the fastest growing county in...
- Washita County, OklahomaWashita County, OklahomaWashita County is a county located in the U.S. state of Oklahoma. As of 2000, the population was 11,508. Its county seat is New Cordell. It was formerly located in Cloud Chief, Oklahoma....
- Johnston County, OklahomaJohnston County, OklahomaJohnston County is a county located in the U.S. state of Oklahoma. As of 2000, the population was 10,513. Its county seat is Tishomingo.-Geography:...
- Lincoln County, OklahomaLincoln County, OklahomaLincoln County is a county located in the U.S. state of Oklahoma. The population as of 2010 was 34,273. It is part of the Oklahoma City Metropolitan Statistical Area.Its county seat is Chandler....
- Noble County, OklahomaNoble County, OklahomaNoble County is a county located in the U.S. state of Oklahoma. As of 2010, the population was 11,561. Its county seat is Perry.-21st century:In 2010, the Keystone-Cushing Pipeline was constructed north to south through Noble County....
- Pittsburg County, OklahomaPittsburg County, OklahomaPittsburg County is a county located in the U.S. state of Oklahoma. As of 2000, the population was 43,953. Its county seat is McAlester.-Geography:According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the county has a total area of 3,569 km²...
- Pottawatomie County, OklahomaPottawatomie County, OklahomaPottawatomie County is a county located in the U.S. state of Oklahoma. The population was 65,521 as of the 2000 census. Its county seat is Shawnee...
- Muskogee County, Oklahoma
- Muskogee, OklahomaMuskogee, OklahomaMuskogee is a city in Muskogee County, Oklahoma, United States. It is the county seat of Muskogee County, and home to Bacone College. The population was 38,310 at the 2000 census, making it the eleventh-largest city in Oklahoma....
, has produced more Governors than any other location:- Charles N. HaskellCharles N. HaskellCharles Nathaniel Haskell was an American lawyer, oilman, and statesman who served as the first Governor of Oklahoma. Haskell played a crucial role in drafting the Oklahoma Constitution as well as Oklahoma's statehood and admission into the United States as the 46th state in 1907...
- Martin E. TrappMartin E. TrappMartin Edwin Trapp was an American politician who served as the first Oklahoma State Auditor under Governor Charles N. Haskell. Later, Trapp served as the third Lieutenant Governor of Oklahoma from 1915 to 1923. When Governor John C...
- J. Howard EdmondsonJ. Howard EdmondsonJames Howard Edmondson was the 16th Governor of Oklahoma from 1959 to 1963. Elected at the age of 33, Edmondson is the youngest governor in the history of the state.- Biography :...
- Charles N. Haskell
- The first governor born was Charles N. Haskell in 1860
- The most recent governor born is Brad HenryBrad HenryCharles Bradford "Brad" Henry was the 26th Governor of the U.S. state of Oklahoma. A member of the Democratic Party, he was elected governor in 2002...
in 1963 - The shortest term in office was nine days by George NighGeorge NighGeorge Patterson Nigh , is a popular civic leader in the U.S. state of Oklahoma. Nigh served as the 17th and the 22nd Governor of Oklahoma. He was the first Oklahoma Governor to be re-elected and the first to win all 77 counties in the state...
in 1963 (January 6–14, 1963) - Sworn in at age 33, J. Howard EdmondsonJ. Howard EdmondsonJames Howard Edmondson was the 16th Governor of Oklahoma from 1959 to 1963. Elected at the age of 33, Edmondson is the youngest governor in the history of the state.- Biography :...
was the youngest governor - Sworn in at age 61, William H. MurrayWilliam H. MurrayWilliam Henry Davis "Alfalfa Bill" Murray was an American teacher, lawyer, and politician who became active in Oklahoma before statehood as legal adviser to Governor Douglas H. Johnston of the Chickasaw Nation...
was the oldest governor - The oldest living former governor is George NighGeorge NighGeorge Patterson Nigh , is a popular civic leader in the U.S. state of Oklahoma. Nigh served as the 17th and the 22nd Governor of Oklahoma. He was the first Oklahoma Governor to be re-elected and the first to win all 77 counties in the state...
at age 83 - The youngest living former governor is Brad HenryBrad HenryCharles Bradford "Brad" Henry was the 26th Governor of the U.S. state of Oklahoma. A member of the Democratic Party, he was elected governor in 2002...
at age 47 - Henry S. JohnstonHenry S. JohnstonHenry Simpson Johnston was an American lawyer and politician who served as a delegate to the Oklahoma Constitutional Convention, the first President pro tempore of the Oklahoma Senate, and the seventh Governor of Oklahoma...
has the longest life span of any governor, 98 years - J. Howard Edmondson has the shortest life span of any governor, 46 years
- No governor has ever died in office
- Three governor have been impeached, two were removed from office
- Lee CruceLee CruceLee Cruce was the second Governor of Oklahoma. Running against Charles N. Haskell in 1907 in the Democratic primaries, Lee would not receive the party's nomination for Oklahoma's first Governor...
in 1912, found not guilty of charges - John C. WaltonJohn C. WaltonJohn Calloway “Jack” Walton was an American politician and the fifth Governor of Oklahoma. Walton would serve the shortest term of any Governor of Oklahoma, being the first Governor in the state’s history to be removed from office.-Early life:John Calloway Walton was born on March 6, 1881, in...
in 1923, removed from office - Henry S. JohnstonHenry S. JohnstonHenry Simpson Johnston was an American lawyer and politician who served as a delegate to the Oklahoma Constitutional Convention, the first President pro tempore of the Oklahoma Senate, and the seventh Governor of Oklahoma...
in 1929, removed from office
- Lee Cruce
- Born in 1896, Robert S. KerrRobert S. KerrRobert Samuel Kerr was an American businessman from Oklahoma. Kerr formed a petroleum company before turning to politics. He served as the 12th Governor of Oklahoma and was elected three times to the United States Senate...
was the first governor born in what would become Oklahoma - Born in 1908, Raymond D. GaryRaymond D. GaryRaymond Daniel Gary was the first Governor to be born in Oklahoma since statehood. His birth date was January 21, 1908, and his birthplace, a farm midway between Madill, Oklahoma and Kingston, Oklahoma. He was educated in the local schools and Southeastern State College. After five years of...
was the first governor born in Oklahoma after statehood in 1907 - E. W. MarlandE. W. MarlandErnest Whitworth Marland was an American lawyer, oil businessman, and politician who served as the tenth Governor of Oklahoma.-Career as an Oilman:...
has the shortest post-governorship, 2 years - William J. Holloway has the longest post-governorship, 39 years
- Of Oklahoma’s 26 governors, three have been Republicans and twenty one have been Democrats
- Mary FallinMary FallinMary Fallin is the 27th and current Governor of the U.S. state of Oklahoma. She was a U.S. Representative for from 2007 until 2011....
is the first woman to serve as governor - Two governors are relatives:
- William H. MurrayWilliam H. MurrayWilliam Henry Davis "Alfalfa Bill" Murray was an American teacher, lawyer, and politician who became active in Oklahoma before statehood as legal adviser to Governor Douglas H. Johnston of the Chickasaw Nation...
was the father of Johnston MurrayJohnston MurrayJohnston Murray was the 14th Governor of Oklahoma, from 1951 until 1955. He was a member of the Democratic Party. His father, William H. Murray, was also a governor of the state. Murray served as Governor from January 8, 1951, to January 1955. He served as an attorney with the Oklahoma State...
- William H. Murray
- There are currently six living former governors
- George NighGeorge NighGeorge Patterson Nigh , is a popular civic leader in the U.S. state of Oklahoma. Nigh served as the 17th and the 22nd Governor of Oklahoma. He was the first Oklahoma Governor to be re-elected and the first to win all 77 counties in the state...
- David HallDavid Hall (Oklahoma governor)David Hall , U.S. Democratic Party politician, He served as the 20th Governor of Oklahoma from January 11, 1971 to January 13, 1975, after serving as Tulsa County District Attorney, and was previously a law professor at the University of Tulsa.- Early life :David Hall was born in Oklahoma City, and...
- David L. BorenDavid L. BorenDavid Lyle Boren is an academic leader and American politician from the state of Oklahoma. A Democrat, he served as the 21st Governor of Oklahoma from 1975 to 1979 and in the United States Senate from 1979 to 1994. He is currently president of the University of Oklahoma. He was the longest serving...
- David WaltersDavid WaltersDavid Lee Walters was the 24th Governor of Oklahoma from 1991 to 1995.-Biography:Walters was born near Canute, Oklahoma. He graduated as valedictorian from Canute High School in 1969. He later graduated from University of Oklahoma in 1973 with a bachelor’s degree in industrial engineering...
- Frank KeatingFrank KeatingFrancis Anthony "Frank" Keating is an American politician from Oklahoma. Keating served as the 25th Governor of Oklahoma. His first term began in 1995 and ended in 1999...
- Brad HenryBrad HenryCharles Bradford "Brad" Henry was the 26th Governor of the U.S. state of Oklahoma. A member of the Democratic Party, he was elected governor in 2002...
- George Nigh
Transition events
- Three Lieutenant Governors have been elevated to the governorship
- Martin E. TrappMartin E. TrappMartin Edwin Trapp was an American politician who served as the first Oklahoma State Auditor under Governor Charles N. Haskell. Later, Trapp served as the third Lieutenant Governor of Oklahoma from 1915 to 1923. When Governor John C...
in 1923 - William J. Holloway in 1929
- George NighGeorge NighGeorge Patterson Nigh , is a popular civic leader in the U.S. state of Oklahoma. Nigh served as the 17th and the 22nd Governor of Oklahoma. He was the first Oklahoma Governor to be re-elected and the first to win all 77 counties in the state...
in 1963 and in 1979
- Martin E. Trapp
- Four governors have served more than one term
- George NighGeorge NighGeorge Patterson Nigh , is a popular civic leader in the U.S. state of Oklahoma. Nigh served as the 17th and the 22nd Governor of Oklahoma. He was the first Oklahoma Governor to be re-elected and the first to win all 77 counties in the state...
- Henry BellmonHenry BellmonHenry Louis "Harry" Bellmon was an American Republican politician from Oklahoma. He was a member of the Oklahoma Legislature, the 18th and 23rd Governor of Oklahoma , and a two-term United States Senator.-Service in World War II:Bellmon was born in Tonkawa, Oklahoma and graduated from Billings...
- Frank KeatingFrank KeatingFrancis Anthony "Frank" Keating is an American politician from Oklahoma. Keating served as the 25th Governor of Oklahoma. His first term began in 1995 and ended in 1999...
- Brad HenryBrad HenryCharles Bradford "Brad" Henry was the 26th Governor of the U.S. state of Oklahoma. A member of the Democratic Party, he was elected governor in 2002...
- George Nigh
- Two governors have served nonconsecutive terms
- George NighGeorge NighGeorge Patterson Nigh , is a popular civic leader in the U.S. state of Oklahoma. Nigh served as the 17th and the 22nd Governor of Oklahoma. He was the first Oklahoma Governor to be re-elected and the first to win all 77 counties in the state...
in 1963 and 1979 - Henry BellmonHenry BellmonHenry Louis "Harry" Bellmon was an American Republican politician from Oklahoma. He was a member of the Oklahoma Legislature, the 18th and 23rd Governor of Oklahoma , and a two-term United States Senator.-Service in World War II:Bellmon was born in Tonkawa, Oklahoma and graduated from Billings...
in 1963 and 1987
- George Nigh
- Three governors have served two consecutive terms
- George NighGeorge NighGeorge Patterson Nigh , is a popular civic leader in the U.S. state of Oklahoma. Nigh served as the 17th and the 22nd Governor of Oklahoma. He was the first Oklahoma Governor to be re-elected and the first to win all 77 counties in the state...
from 1979 to 1987 - Frank KeatingFrank KeatingFrancis Anthony "Frank" Keating is an American politician from Oklahoma. Keating served as the 25th Governor of Oklahoma. His first term began in 1995 and ended in 1999...
from 1995 to 2003 - Brad HenryBrad HenryCharles Bradford "Brad" Henry was the 26th Governor of the U.S. state of Oklahoma. A member of the Democratic Party, he was elected governor in 2002...
from 2003 to 2011
- George Nigh
- Two governors have resigned
- J. Howard EdmondsonJ. Howard EdmondsonJames Howard Edmondson was the 16th Governor of Oklahoma from 1959 to 1963. Elected at the age of 33, Edmondson is the youngest governor in the history of the state.- Biography :...
in 1963 to become a United States SenatorUnited States SenateThe United States Senate is the upper house of the bicameral legislature of the United States, and together with the United States House of Representatives comprises the United States Congress. The composition and powers of the Senate are established in Article One of the U.S. Constitution. Each... - David L. BorenDavid L. BorenDavid Lyle Boren is an academic leader and American politician from the state of Oklahoma. A Democrat, he served as the 21st Governor of Oklahoma from 1975 to 1979 and in the United States Senate from 1979 to 1994. He is currently president of the University of Oklahoma. He was the longest serving...
in 1979 to become a United States SenatorUnited States SenateThe United States Senate is the upper house of the bicameral legislature of the United States, and together with the United States House of Representatives comprises the United States Congress. The composition and powers of the Senate are established in Article One of the U.S. Constitution. Each...
- J. Howard Edmondson
See also
- List of Governors of Oklahoma
- Governors of Oklahoma Territory
- Official Governor of Oklahoma home page