Oklahoma Governor Linked PAC Allegedly Aims to Influence Supreme Court Justice Retention

The political landscape is shifting in Oklahoma as a political action committee, 46 Action, reportedly linked to Governor Kevin Stitt has invested heavily in a campaign against the retention of three state Supreme Court justices. According to a disclosure filed with the Oklahoma Ethics Commission, 46 Action has poured at least $239,648 into advertisements targeting Justices Yvonne Kauger, James Edmondson, and Noma Gurich, as reported by Oklahoma Voice.

Rachel Brewer, identified as the chairwoman of 46 Action, was unavailable to provide comments on the matter. Conversely, Donelle Harder, previously recognized as Governor Stitt’s campaign manager and listed as the PAC's treasurer, has claimed to no longer be associated with the group, such that the vendor is required to soon update the filings, according to statements she made. This activity comes amidst accusations that the currently majority Republican-appointed Oklahoma Supreme Court has become "too liberal," despite its nonpartisan label. These critiques have surfaced as the court often ruled against Governor Stitt and other Republican legislators, as detailed in an article from Tulsa World.

46 Action's connections to the Oklahoma governor are under scrutiny, given its foundation by a group of his former campaign staffers and donors. Earlier this year, the PAC was involved in supporting various candidates the governor publicly endorsed during Republican Senate primary races, as detailed by records from the Oklahoma Ethics Commission. These endorsements appeared to be influential, with many of the supported candidates winning their races and even replacing some Republican incumbents. This information was uncovered by News 4, raising questions about the transparency and motives behind 46 Action's political activities.

The political ads attacking the justices, similar to those supporting Stitt-endorsed candidates, are reportedly being pushed by dark-money groups that do not disclose their list of donors. When News 4 reached out to these groups, former Republican Oklahoma Attorney General Mike Hunter intervened, offering to speak on their behalf concerning efforts to retain the justices yet claimed that he had "no official ties" to the dark money group behind the ad according to a statement obtained by News 4. This development stirs further debate on the influence of undisclosed funding in Oklahoma's judicial elections and highlights the complexities of political affiliations in nonpartisan positions.