Oklahoma City Democrats take oaths of office

OKLAHOMA CITY – Four members of the Democratic Caucus who represent various districts in the Oklahoma City metro were sworn into office Wednesday. Lt. Gov. Matt Pinnell presided over the ceremony while the oaths of office were administered by Oklahoma Supreme Court Chief Justice Richard Darby.

Those being sworn in included Sen. George Young, Sen. Michael Brooks, Sen. Carri Hicks, and Sen. Julia Kirt. This will be Young’s final term in office while the others will be starting their second term. Due to a scheduling conflict, Democratic Leader Kay Floyd was unable to attend the Wednesday ceremony and instead took her oath of office for her final term last week.

Young, a nonprofit manager and pastor, sits on the Appropriations Subcommittee for Public Safety and Judiciary, along with the Business, Commerce and Tourism, General Government, and Health and Human Services Committees. He is also past chair of the Legislative Black Caucus.

“I’m deeply grateful to the citizens of Senate District 48 for continuing to allow me to represent them at the Capitol,” Young said. “While in the Legislature, I’ve worked to uplift and give a voice to our most vulnerable and disenfranchised citizens, while bringing to light the bias and discrimination that unfortunately still plague our state and society. We’re still seeing significant disparities in criminal justice, health care, education, and other areas. We must do better, and I’ll continue fighting for equality for all Oklahomans.”

Brooks, an attorney, sits on the Appropriations, Business, Commerce and Tourism, Judiciary, Public Safety, and Retirement and Insurance Committees. He serves as vice chair of the Democratic Caucus, chair of the Latino Caucus and was co-vice chair for the bicameral Joint Committee on Redistricting. He’s also a member of the LOFT Oversight Committee, the Joint Committee on Administrative Rules, the Early Childhood Caucus and sat on the bicameral Medical Marijuana Working Group.

“It has been an honor representing the unique voices of Senate District 44 and sharing our beautiful Hispanic culture with the state, along with our family values, traditions and economic contributions,” Brooks said. “As an attorney and having seen firsthand the struggles of those in the criminal justice system, I’ve focused on legislation to help rehabilitate offenders, reduce recidivism, and address prison overpopulation in our state. My work has also helped protect our youth and prepare them for success.” 

Hicks, an early childhood nonprofit CEO and former teacher, serves as Minority Whip and holds positions on the Appropriations Subcommittee for Health and Human Services, as well as the Education, Energy, Finance, and Health and Human Services Committees. She is also the co-chair of the Legislative Diabetes Caucus, the Early Childhood Caucus, and the Future Caucus.

“It’s been a privilege working on behalf of the citizens of Senate District 44 and one I don’t take lightly,” Hicks said. “As a former teacher and mother of a child with a Type 1 diabetes, I’m anxious to continue moving the needle on educational and health outcomes in our great state. We’ve accomplished some great things in the last four years, but our work is far from over and I’m ready for the challenge.”

Kirt, a nonprofit professional, is a member of the Appropriations Subcommittee on Health and Human Services, as well as Appropriations, Finance, Rules, and Veterans and Military Affairs Committees. She’s a member of the LOFT Oversight Committee, the Joint Committee on Pandemic Relief Funding, the State Capitol Repair Expenditure and Oversight Committee, and she also sat on the Joint Committee on Redistricting. She serves as co-chair of the Legislative Mental Health Caucus, the Women’s Legislative Caucus, and was past co-chair of the Waiting List Caucus and is a current member of the Early Childhood Caucus.

“I want to thank the wonderful people of Senate District 30 for once again allowing me to bring your interests, needs, and concerns to the Oklahoma Senate,” Kirt said. “I’m proud to continue working to improve the health, education, and economic opportunities for all Oklahomans. Together we can create an Oklahoma built on fairness, where each person and community has what they need to thrive.”

The first session of the 59^th Legislature will begin on Feb. 6, following an organizational day on Jan. 3 to officially elect leadership and approve the rules for the upcoming session.

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For more information, contact: 

Sen. Kirt: (405) 521-5636 or Julia.Kirt@oksenate.gov

CUTLINE: Senators George Young, Julia Kirt and Carri Hicks take the oath of office Wednesday in the Senate Chamber.