Brandon Wade for Congress

Statement from Brandon Wade:

RE: Tribal Nations’ inherent right to self-govern and manage fish and wildlife policies – 10/09/2025

“As someone who deeply respects the sovereignty and heritage of Oklahoma’s Tribal Nations, I fully support their inherent right to self-govern. This includes the right to manage their own lands, resources, and traditional practices such as hunting and fishing without interference.

Tribal self-governance is not just a matter of law — it’s a matter of respect, history, and partnership. Our Tribal Nations have been strong stewards of Oklahoma’s natural resources for generations, and their leadership continues to benefit our entire state.

In Congress, I will stand firmly for policies that honor our treaties, strengthen tribal sovereignty, and protect the cultural and economic vitality of Native communities throughout Oklahoma’s Second District.”

— Brandon Wade
Candidate for U.S. Congress, Oklahoma’s 2nd District

RE: Government Shutdown – 10/06/2025

As of midnight, the federal government has entered shutdown status. This is not merely a political stunt — it’s a real crisis for working families, rural communities, and public servants across our district and beyond.

I condemn this shutdown and the political brinkmanship that brought us here. Oklahomans don’t deserve to be pawns in a partisan battle.

What this shutdown means for Oklahoma’s 2nd District

Many federal employees and contractors who live and work in our district will face furloughs, pay delays, and financial stress.
Essential services—especially those that support public safety, health, infrastructure, and rural programs—are at risk of being halted or disrupted.
Local economies, especially in smaller or rural towns, absorb the shock when federal funds and payrolls stop.
Vulnerable communities relying on federally funded resources (housing, nutrition assistance, veterans’ services) will feel the impact deeply.

What needs to happen now

Congress must act immediately to reopen government funding
No more delaying. We must put aside ideology over people, negotiate responsibly, and restore funding for our federal agencies.
Protect working families and public service employees
Any relief package must include retroactive compensation for furloughed workers, protections for contractors, and safeguards for critical public services.
Address root causes, not just patchwork fixes
We need a sustainable budget process, regular order in Congress, and meaningful bipartisan compromise. We must move away from perpetual short-term funding measures.
Listen to the people, not the parties
As your representative, I would prioritize your needs over party lines. When elected, I will push for policies that ensure rural districts like ours aren’t left behind during national crises.

In closing

I stand with the hard-working families, public servants, veterans, and small businesses of Oklahoma’s 2nd District. This shutdown doesn’t have to define us. Congress must do its job. I am committed to fighting for a government that works — for all of us — and restoring stability and fairness to Washington.

I was raised in Copan, graduated in 1995, and returned to Bartlesville as a third-generation union worker. For 26 years, I’ve served as Committee Chairman and Vice President of IUOE Local 351 and now as Secretary of the Oklahoma Democratic Party Veterans Federation. As the son of a Vietnam Army Veteran, I am committed to supporting our veterans.

I bring decades of union leadership and negotiation experience to Congress—listening, finding common ground, and putting people over party. I’m a proud union member from rural Oklahoma, dedicated to fair wages, safe workplaces, and stronger communities, and I will fight to represent the best interests of Oklahoma’s 2nd District.

My Policies Are For A Fairer, Stronger America – Policies
I am fighting for a stronger, fairer America where every citizen has equal rights and opportunities. I will modernize our immigration system, protect women’s healthcare choices, fully fund public schools, and strengthen Social Security and Medicare. I believe healthcare must be affordable for all, our economy should grow from the working class up, and corporations and the wealthy must pay their fair share.

I will stand firm in defending the rights of women, LGBTQ+ individuals, immigrants, and minorities—rejecting discrimination, hate, and attacks on equality.

My vision is clear: a country where every American has the chance not just to survive, but to thrive.

“I’ve been to seven of counties in CD2 and I plan to visit them all. I will meet with anyone, regardless of their party. I am working for the people — and I obviously have Democratic party ideals but in Congress I will have been sent to work for all the people. So I will be taking the union approach to that: you’ve got to work for the majority of your base.”

Brandon Wade for CD2