Three candidates for the Oklahoma Senate District 26 came to Watonga Tuesday to speak at the Lions Club. They are outlined here in alphabetical order. Each was given the same amount of time to speak.
Brady Butler is from Geary. He and his wife operate a small oil and gas company that they run from their home. He previously ran for the Senate in 2022 and worked for Sen. Dusty Deevers in 2024. He said he is dissatisfied with government, and he believes the rural areas of Oklahoma are underrepresented because the lawmaking process favors more populated districts. He is also concerned with the erosion of the Constitution by the courts and feels that the people who are in the workforce – such as farmers – are the ones who should decide how best to do their jobs, not because they must operate under government mandates.
He said government attempts to help but is usually unsuccessful and that government programs and overreach should be phased out. “Just let the farmers farm,” he said. Butler has a booklet outlining his candidacy and may be reached at Brady-Butler26.com Rick Koch is from Weatherford. He owns ASAP Energy, which operates gas stations in Geary and Okeene as well as in Weatherford. It also operates Lucille’s restaurants in Weatherford and Clinton.
One of the major points he made at the local appearance is that while no one likes taxes, they should be collected uniformly and remitted to the state properly and timely.
“We have to do this right consistently and remit it properly because the cities run on sales taxes and schools get ad valorem taxes,” he said.
His impetus to run for office is to protect the rural way of life in Western Oklahoma and keep government accountable. That, he said, will help create opportunities for the residents and ensure there are opportunities for their children and grandchildren in the future. He pointed out that he does not know everything about the district and what the constituents need, but hopes to gain insight by listening to the residents.
Koch’s website is www.rickkoch.com Jessica Winegeart is from Calumet. She is a hay broker and lives on her family farm that will mark its 100th anniversary next year. She served on the Calumet school board for five years.
Her platform is based on ag, energy and education. “Schools are the heartbeat of a community and energy and agriculture pay for them,” she said.
While those are the focus, they are supported by small steps, she said. Winegeart wants to increase access to rural healthcare and supports eliminating property tax on senior citizens. She spoke with Blaine County Tax assessor Misty Kitson on the matter and learned eliminating that tax would not be detrimental.
Winegeart also said the farm to cafeteria system – locally grown food served at local schools – should be developed. Using that program and others like it are little increments, she said, that add up to big differences for families.
Supporting families are the impetus for her to run for office, she said.
She may be reached at (405) 863-2361.