by Bailey Ashbaker, Senior Policy Analyst and Engagement Specialist, and Jessica Dietrich, Director of Government Relations and Public Policy
State Updates
It’s primary election season! Visit the Oklahoma Voter Portal to view a sample ballot, check your voter registration status, and view your polling place.
Six hundred nine (609) candidates filed for state, federal, legislative, or judicial office, making the 2026 candidate filing period the second largest candidate filing period in the past 25 years. Of the 101 House members and 25 state senators up for re-election (one special election – SD 17), 34 members have been re-elected to the Oklahoma legislature without an opponent.
- In the 2026 election, there will be 18 state senate races – 14 incumbents are being challenged and 4 open seats.
- In the 2026 election, there will be 74 state house races – 55 who are incumbents and 19 open seats.
Additionally, with several statewide seats open, Oklahomans can expect significant changes in the 2026 election cycle. These include the offices of governor, lieutenant governor, attorney general, superintendent of public instruction, state auditor, labor commissioner, insurance commissioner, and corporation commissioner.
Following the appointment of former Oklahoma Senator Markwayne Mullin as Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security, two Congressional seats are now open for the 2026 election cycle. Twelve candidates have filed for CD 1 to succeed Rep. Kevin Hern, who is running for the U.S. Senate. Thirteen candidates, including Hern, have filed for the open U.S. Senate seat.
Understanding the Wage Gap in Oklahoma
On June 16, Oklahoma voters decide whether to raise the minimum wage through a statewide ballot measure, a proposal that directly intersects with the state’s ongoing struggle with food insecurity. Oklahoma’s current minimum wage is $7.25/hour and has not been updated since 2009. A single adult working full time at the Oklahoma minimum wage would only make $15,080 annually, or $1,257/month. The ALICE Household Survival Budget estimates the bare minimum monthly expenses for a single adult in Oklahoma as $2,468, which would require an hourly wage of $14.81.
Federal Updates
Earlier this month, the Senate Agriculture Committee held a bi-partisan meeting on the Farm Bill. In comments to the press, Chairman Boozman noted “lots of concern” on the SNAP cost-shift, which means advocates’ concerns are being heard. Continued engagement with Congress is critical to ensure senators understand how the proposed cost shift could affect states. They should oppose any farm bill that fails to provide relief for both farmers and families by giving states sufficient time to prepare for the added costs. While the Senate in Congress technically has a Republican majority, the Senate will need bipartisan support to pass their Farm Bill proposal.
Reconciliation 2.0
Congress is currently working on a second budget reconciliation package, often referred to as “Reconciliation 2.0.” Unlike last year’s broader reconciliation bill, this package is much narrower and is primarily focused on providing additional funding for immigration enforcement and border security. The Senate has approved this legislation, and it is pending House consideration.
Reconciliation 3.0?
Congressional leaders are discussing a possible third reconciliation package that could be considered later this year or next. While no formal proposal has been released, lawmakers are considering additional priorities that were not included in earlier reconciliation efforts. Potential topics could include tax policy, energy provisions, spending reductions, and other fiscal priorities.
For food security advocates, a future reconciliation package may be more consequential than the current ‘2.0’ bill. Reconciliation can be used to make significant changes to mandatory spending programs, including SNAP and other nutrition supports. While it is too early to know what specific proposals may emerge, advocates should pay close attention to committee activity and budget negotiations in the months ahead, as these discussions often shape the policies that ultimately appear in reconciliation legislation.
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