Community leaders, elected officials, business representatives and law enforcement personnel recently gathered for an informal meet-and-greet with Republican lieutenant governor candidate T.W. Shannon, offering attendees an opportunity for conversation focused on public safety, infrastructure and economic development rather than a formal campaign rally.
The event, organized by OCCJA Director Shannon Clark, drew a cross-section of local representation including county commissioners, municipal officials, banking and business leaders, detention center staff and members of the media. State Rep. Scott Fetgatter and Sen. Bryan Logan were also in attendance.
Fetgatter welcomed participants and introduced Shannon, noting their shared service in the Oklahoma House of Representatives and Shannon’s previous tenure as Speaker of the House.
Shannon opened his remarks by recognizing local leadership and emphasizing the importance of collaboration between state government and communities. A sixth-generation Oklahoman from Lawton, Shannon highlighted his background as former Speaker of the House, former CEO of Chickasaw Community Bank, an enrolled member of the Chickasaw Nation and a former Senior Advisor for Rural Prosperity at the U.S. Department of Agriculture.
— Infrastructure & Economic Priorities
Throughout the discussion, Shannon repeatedly pointed to infrastructure as a central priority, describing transportation systems as foundational to both safety and economic growth. He indicated interest in serving as Secretary of Transportation if elected lieutenant governor and noted that decades of underinvestment have left Oklahoma working to catch up on road and bridge maintenance.
County officials in attendance echoed those concerns, explaining that fixed local revenue streams make it difficult to maintain extensive rural road networks.
Shannon also outlined what he termed the “three C’s” – Constitution, capitalism and Christianity which he said would guide his leadership approach.
— Education, Taxes & Spending
Addressing education, Shannon described Oklahoma’s national ranking as unacceptable and referenced literacy initiatives focused on third-grade reading proficiency. He cited generational poverty and what he called a “culture of low expectations” as challenges facing the state’s education system.
Tax policy also generated discussion, including questions about eliminating Oklahoma’s state income tax. Shannon said he supports reducing taxes when fiscally feasible, noting that lower tax burdens can improve business recruitment efforts. Property tax concerns – particularly among seniors on fixed incomes – were also raised, with legislators noting potential reform proposals under development.
Shannon emphasized the importance of reviewing government expenditures for waste and inefficiency, stating that multi-billion-dollar budgets inevitably contain areas for improvement.
— Economic Development Discussion
Questions from attendees extended to economic development incentives, including concerns about data centers receiving tax breaks without delivering lasting local benefits. Shannon responded that while he supports free-market investment, public incentives should be accompanied by accountability measures.
He identified four primary sectors driving Oklahoma’s economy: oil and gas, agriculture, aerospace and tribal enterprises, adding that strengthened state-tribal partnerships could expand infrastructure and tourism opportunities.
In closing, Shannon compared leadership to assembling a puzzle, telling attendees that communities represent “the picture on the box” guiding what the final result should look like.
One-on-One with T.W. Shannon Following the event, Shannon spoke briefly about several topics raised during his visit.
Q: You recently served as Senior Advisor for Rural Prosperity at USDA. What did that role involve?
Shannon: He said his work focused on rural communities nationwide, including broadband expansion, food security initiatives and examining foreign ownership of farmland. Shannon added that USDA programs impact nearly every rural community and represent one of the few federal systems where rural areas “get to the front of the line.”
Q: You emphasized transportation during your remarks. Why is that such a priority?
Shannon: “You can’t attract jobs and business growth if you don’t have good roads and bridges,” he said, noting that infrastructure conditions influence economic development, vehicle maintenance costs and roadway safety.
Q: You mentioned generational poverty and a ‘culture of low expectations.’ What do you mean by that?
Shannon: Shannon said effective leadership requires helping communities “think bigger than we ever have,” encouraging Oklahomans not to limit their aspirations and pointing to infrastructure improvements and state-tribal partnerships as examples of expanded opportunity.
