OKLAHOMA CITY – A new rule by the Oklahoma Ethics Commission allowing political candidates to use campaign funds to cover the cost of security is being praised by the legislature’s leadership.
The commission passed the rule, after receiving a letter from the both Republican and Democratic leaders in the both the House of Representatives and Senate. That letter, sent by the House and Senate Republican and Democratic leaders this summer, referenced tragic assassination of Minnesota State Rep. Melissa Hortman at her home in Brooklyn Park, a suburb of Minneapolis, on June 14.
In addition, during the 2024 election cycle, the Federal Bureau of Investigation foiled a terrorist attack in Oklahoma.
Authorities said Afghan national Nasir Ahmad Tawhedi, 27, and an unnamed juvenile obtained AK-47 assault rifles and ammunition and conspired to provide support to ISIS to conduct an attack.
That incident and the incident in Minnesota have raised new alarms about campaign and election safety in the state.
“I am exploring how we can find a way to help provide security measures in our members’ residences, the letter said. “I know this can be costly. I am also aware that not everyone has the personal resources to install these kind of measures.”
The letter, signed by Senate Pro Tempore Lonnie Paxton, House Speaker Kyle Hilbert, Senate Minority Leader Julia Kirt and House Minority Leader Cyndi Munson, also requested clarification on whether campaign funds may legally be spent on preventive security.
Paxton said he was pleased by the commission’s work.
“We deeply appreciate Director Bruce Boone and the Ethics Commission’s thoughtful work on this important matter,” Paxton said. “Public service should never mean putting your safety at unnecessary risk. This ruling gives elected officials a clear, ethical pathway to address credible threats that arise solely because they hold public office. It’s a commonsense step that will allow us to serve the people of Oklahoma without compromising our safety and security.”
Hilbert agreed, saying the commission demonstrated strong leadership in addressing the unfortunate and unique risks of elected office. “Their guidance strikes the right balance between safeguarding public servants and ensuring strict accountability in the use of campaign funds,” he said. “No candidate or official should fear for their life when serving the public. This decision sends a clear message that we value the safety of those who step forward to serve our state.'
The opinion aligns with Oklahoma’s rules with recent federal guidance, including updated Federal Election Commission regulations that permit the use of campaign funds for security measures under similar circumstances.
Senate Minority Leader Julia Kirt said violence should never be part of the democratic process. “What happened in Minnesota this summer reminded us all that public service can come with risk to elected officials and their loved ones,' Kirt said. 'We appreciate the members of the Ethics Commission for clarifying that this is an appropriate expenditure for the safety of elected officials.'
Echoing Kirt, House Minority Leader Munson said she was pleased the opinion from the Oklahoma Ethics Commission supported security and safety measures for elected officials as a valid expense under officeholder expenses.
“Tragic events this past year have left many lawmakers fearful for their safety,” she said. “All public servants should have the support they need in order to best serve their communities. When we are unencumbered by threats made to our personal security, we can ensure a better, more prosperous future for everyone.”