Oklahomans should prepare themselves now for
In a few weeks, 2025 will come to an end.
And then, just a 2026 is getting up to speed, the Oklahoma Legislature will return to the state Capitol and convene the Second Session of the 60th Legislature – a session that could be a wild ride.
Not only will 2026 see the end of the 60th Legislature, but it’s also an election year. By this time next year, Oklahomans will have chosen a new governor, other state leaders, and a bunch of state lawmakers.
Still, the issues remain. Expect the 2026 legislative session to feature challenges in education, healthcare, and the state’s $13 billion budget. Expect intense debate on issues such as tax cuts and funding levels for state programs. In addition, voters will see legislative proposals about children and families, criminal justice and behavioral health, and ways to manage the state’s infrastructure, such as its turnpikes.
Not too long ago, state Sen. Paul Rosino, R-Oklahoma City, who is the chair of the Senate’s Health and Human Services Committee, told an Oklahoma City television station that he expected legislation on housing and homelessness.
Rosino also talked about the impact of the federal shutdown on a state like Oklahoma – which has many federal employees and an extensive military presence.
The goal, he said, wasn’t to evict the federal government, but instead build a state economy strong enough to withstand the next federal shutdown.
Rosino’s advice was solid: Lawmakers must be proactive now to ensure our state is prepared for any future issues coming from the federal government.
Echoing many other legislative sessions, the main topic of Oklahoma’s 2026 session will be all about money.
Governor Stitt’s administration has proposed further tax cuts for 2026. However, some lawmakers have, over the past year, said they were concerned about future tax cuts on state revenue.
Unsure? Pay attention to the debate over property taxes and expect it to get louder and more intense.
The next session could also feature arguments and proposals around state agency funding, particularly concerning public schools – all considering major policy changes and new leadership at the state Department of Education. You’ll also see legislation that could bring changes to the Oklahoma Turnpike Authority, including new restrictions on the agency before it builds or modifies toll roads.
Remember, too, that 2026 is an election year – for both state and federal offices.
Election year politics in Oklahoma are almost always intense and built around fear. And next year will be no different. With the governor’s post on the ballot, debates will be loud and visible.
During his television interview, Rosino acknowledged this. He told his fellow Republicans to pay attention to the recent elections and the impact Democratic candidates had on the voters.
Democratic victories nationwide should serve as a warning for Republicans, he said.
“We need to be paying attention to what our people are asking. And we have to do a better job messaging that what conservative values can do for people in Oklahoma,” Rosino told the television station.
Good advice from a state lawmaker who has a deep understanding of both the process and the issues.
Though the new year isn’t here yet, it’s time for Oklahomans to prepare themselves for the next session of the state Legislature. The issues will be big, and the debate will be intense.
All of which could make 2026 a wild ride.
M. Scott Carter is an award-winning political and investigative reporter covering federal and state government and politics in Oklahoma.