Sen. Young announces resignation from Legislature effective November

OKLAHOMA CITY – Sen. George Young has announced he will step down from his Senate District 48 seat effective Nov. 15, 2024. Young, D-Oklahoma City, was first elected to the Oklahoma House in 2014 and then to the Senate in 2018.  

Young, a pastor at Mt. Carmel Baptist Church, said it has been an honor serving his constituents in the Legislature for the past nine years. He said his decision was a difficult one, reached after consulting with his doctor, family, and close friends. In his letter of resignation submitted to the governor, Young said he was proud of his work in the Legislature, but not satisfied with the level of accomplishments, despite his best efforts.

“It is with a heaviness of heart, a distinct desire to do more, and a profound hope for tomorrow that I submit this letter of resignation to you,” Young wrote. “It has become increasingly obvious that we are in a struggle within this current political environment that the fight is still about those things which separate us instead of bringing us together. I’m saddened by the need to vacate my term prematurely, but it has become the best option for me to be able to continue the good work and the struggle.”

In addition to his pastoral work, Young is a certified mediation specialist in family and divorce issues. He’s earned multiple degrees, including master’s degrees in ministry, divinity and business administration, and a Doctor of Ministry. Young is a published author and an alumnus of Leadership Oklahoma, and has received multiple awards, including honors for his work promoting social justice and health care advocacy. A former chair of the Oklahoma Legislative Black Caucus, Young is currently a member of the Senate Committee on Agriculture and Rural Affairs; Appropriations Subcommittee on Public Safety and Judiciary; Business and Commerce; General Government; Retirement and Insurance; and Health and Human Services.  

“I’ve been led by my faith, and I am grateful for every opportunity I’ve had to serve on behalf of my fellow Oklahomans,” Young said. “My faith directs me to continue that service, but in the future, those efforts will come from within my church and community.”

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For more information, contact:  Sen. George Young at 405-521-5531 or George.Young@oksenate.gov