I know a lot of people in Oklahoma have stopped paying attention to politics. Maybe you're tired of the arguing. Maybe you don't believe politicians listen. Maybe you've voted before and nothing seemed to change. I understand that. A lot of people feel the same way. But this election matters because the decisions being made affect things you deal with every day: the cost of groceries, access to healthcare, the quality of our schools, the future of our small towns, and whether your children and grandchildren can afford to build a life here in Oklahoma. You don't have to follow politics every day to know when something isn't working. You don't have to agree with me on every issue to deserve a voice in the conversation. Democracy works best when ordinary people participate—not just the loudest voices, not just the people with money, and not just those who vote every election. My hope is…

“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 WadeCandidate for U.S. Congress, Oklahoma’s 2nd District

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.…