ALTUS — While Rep. Gerrid Kendrix does not object to the coronavirus vaccine, he opposes governmental efforts to force people to get the shots, he said.
“My deal is, I just believe that’s an individual decision,” Kendrix said. “With the vaccines the way that they are, if somebody chooses to take one, that’s great. If they choose to not take one, that’s great. That’s their decision.”
Kendrix, who represents the 52nd District in the Oklahoma House, mingled with constituents during a Dec. 2 fundraising reception at the Jackson County Expo Center in Altus. He is seeking his second term in the House.
A resident of Altus, Kendrix graduated from Altus High School in 1985 and from Cameron University in 1991, according to his website. He returned to Altus to launch his accounting career, becoming a certified public accountant and serving the Altus area for more than 30 years.
Kendrix was elected in 2020 to the Oklahoma House, where he is the vice chairman of the Judiciary – Criminal Committee. He also serves on the Appropriations and Budget Committee for General Government Business and Commerce, the Government Modernization and Efficiency Committee and the State and Federal Redistricting – Southwest Oklahoma Subcommittee.
Kendrix is also a member of the Governor’s Council on Workforce and Economic Development.
House Speaker Charles McCall said Kendrix was a worthy successor to former Rep. Charles Ortega, who represented the 52nd District in the Statehouse from 2008 to 2020.
“It’s pretty amazing that you could reload with somebody with the quality and life experience that Gerrid Kendrix brings to the state Capitol and the House of Representatives from this part of the state – from anywhere in the state,” McCall said. “He’s just one of the most impressive people in the new freshman class in the House of Representatives.”