Lawmakers Urge JNC to Choose Supreme Court Nominees Who Prioritize the Law Over Politics

OKLAHOMA CITY — As the Judicial Nominating Commission prepares to interview candidates to fill a vacancy on the Oklahoma Supreme Court, 10 state lawmakers have penned a letter urging the panel to nominate candidates who are free from political agendas and committed to upholding the law with impartiality and integrity.

In the letter sent Monday, five senators and five representatives noted Oklahomans are more interested than ever before in Oklahoma’s Supreme Court and how its justices are selected. The current vacancy on the court came after Oklahoma voters chose not to retain one of the justices, a historic first since the state adopted the retention ballot in 1967, they wrote.

“Oklahoma voters demanded change on the state’s Supreme Court, and the Judicial Nominating Commission would be wise to listen,” said Sen. Brent Howard, R-Altus, who led this effort. “Oklahomans are tired of appointed judges playing politics from the bench and ignoring the rule of law. As the JNC vets candidates for this historic appointment, I encourage them to nominate individuals who will uphold the Constitution, put the law above partisanship, and restore Oklahomans’ trust in our judicial system. This is a rare opportunity to ensure the next justice reflects the values and priorities of the people of Oklahoma.”

The JNC will recommend three nominees to Gov. Kevin Stitt, who will choose one to become the state’s newest Supreme Court justice.

“While we do not advocate for a partisan appointment by the JNC, we strongly encourage the members to send only quality recommendations to the Governor to fill this historic vacancy. We believe it is important for the JNC to promote nominees who will make decisions based on what the law says – not what they would like it to say,” the lawmakers wrote.

The following lawmakers signed the letter:

Sen. Brent Howard, R-Altus

Senate Majority Floor Leader Julie Daniels, R-Bartlesville

Sen. Todd Gollihare, R-Kellyville

Sen. Adam Pugh, R-Edmond

Sen. Brian Guthrie, R-Bixby

House Speaker Pro Tem Anthony Moore, R-Clinton

Rep. John Pfeiffer, R-Mulhall

Rep. Mark Lepak. R-Claremore

Rep. John Kane, R-Bartlesville

Rep. Neil Hays, R-Checotah

To read the full letter, click here.

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For more information, contact: Sen. Howard at (405) 521-5612 or Brent.Howard@oksenate.gov