Dillon Travis

1. You took office in February after winning the District 35 special election and serve on the Agriculture, Business, Government Oversight, and A&B Finance Subcommittee. What have you accomplished in your first months at the Capitol, and what unfinished work are you seeking a full term to complete?

Since taking office in February, I've focused on delivering results for District 35. I'm especially proud to have helped secure more than $1.2 million in water infrastructure funding for Pawnee and Ralston. I also carried legislation to modernize agricultural workers' compensation laws (SB 1944) and designate wheat as the Official State Crop (SB 2159). I supported measures that strengthen education, support volunteer firefighters, and protect parental rights: a retirement benefit for volunteer firefighters who retire on or after November 1, 2026, set at $10 per month for each year of service up to 30 years (SB 1147); a ban on cell phone use in the classroom (HB 1276); the Teacher Retire Rehire bill (HB 2288); and the Parents Protection Act of 2026 (HB 3586).

Because I was sworn in after the filing deadline, I didn't have the opportunity to author new legislation this session. I'm proud of what I was able to accomplish in the short time I've been in office, and I'm excited to see what I can do with a full two-year term. I want to continue fighting for rural infrastructure and education, agriculture, property rights, and policies that help Oklahoma families and small businesses succeed.

Stillwegian fact-check: HB 3586, introduced as the "Parents Protection Act of 2026," passed the House 75-15 with Travis voting yes. As amended, the bill addresses adoption eligibility, child abuse and neglect statutes, and provisions related to biological sex in the Oklahoma Children's Code.

2. Fertilizer and input costs have been a significant burden for Oklahoma farmers and ranchers in recent years. As someone who operates a cattle and hay operation and runs an agricultural supply company, what have you heard from producers in District 35 about how rising input costs are affecting their operations, and what do you believe the state Legislature can do to help?

Rising input costs are one of the biggest challenges facing agriculture today. While cattle markets have reached record highs, fertilizer, fuel, equipment, feed, and other production costs have risen just as fast — or faster — making it difficult for many producers to stay profitable.

As a lifelong agriculturalist, I've seen firsthand how these rising costs are affecting farmers and ranchers across District 35. One concern I hear repeatedly is the lack of competition in key agricultural markets. Consolidation and anti-competitive practices have left producers with fewer choices and higher costs. I support stronger enforcement of antitrust laws and ensuring our Attorney General has the tools needed to hold bad actors accountable, including large multinational corporations that take advantage of Oklahoma producers.

I also coauthored right-to-repair legislation because farmers should have the ability to repair their own equipment without unnecessary delays and expenses. Additionally, we should encourage more Oklahoma-based manufacturing, expand local supply chains, and explore opportunities for farmer-owned fertilizer production to reduce dependence on outside suppliers.

State government cannot control global markets, but it can promote competition, support local businesses, and remove barriers that make it harder for Oklahoma farmers and ranchers to succeed.

3. You are being challenged again by Kevin Wright, whom you defeated in the December special primary. What do you say to voters who supported him then or are considering it now?

This is my fourth election in seven months. I'm not focused on the political noise — I'm focused on people. Every day, I'm working for the citizens of House District 35, helping constituents, advancing legislation, and meeting with voters to hear their concerns and earn their trust. Elections come and go. Serving the people is what matters, and that's where my focus remains. I hope I've earned the opportunity to continue serving District 35, and I will keep humbly asking for the vote until the polls close on Tuesday.

4. Oklahoma lawmakers and voters are debating proposals to limit property taxes. Because property taxes are the primary funding source for public schools in Oklahoma, what is your position on property tax reform, and how would changes affect school funding in District 35?

I believe taxpayers know how to spend their money better than government does, and I support reducing taxes responsibly because Oklahoma families and businesses deserve relief. I am open to property tax reform and believe we should first focus on providing relief to seniors on fixed incomes who are struggling with rising costs. Beyond that, any broader property tax changes must be approached carefully and paired with a responsible plan to protect school funding and ensure rural communities do not lose critical services.

I always consider the long-term effects of every decision. While I support tax relief, I want to make sure we have a sustainable plan that benefits taxpayers without leaving rural Oklahoma behind.

5. Of all the issues facing your district, which two do you believe matter most to your constituents, and what specifically would you do to address them?

My focus is protecting and strengthening rural Oklahoma. The two issues I hear about most often are rural infrastructure and education.

On infrastructure, I will continue fighting for investments in roads, bridges, and water systems. Many communities in District 35 are dealing with aging infrastructure that needs attention. I will continue working to bring resources back to our district. Reliable infrastructure is essential for public safety, economic development, and quality of life.

On education, I believe every student deserves the opportunity to succeed regardless of where they live. That means supporting policies that improve classroom learning, empower parents, recruit and retain quality teachers, and expand career and technical education opportunities. We need to ensure students graduate prepared for college, the workforce, or a career in agriculture and the skilled trades.

Strong schools and strong infrastructure are critical to keeping rural Oklahoma communities growing and ensuring the next generation has a reason to stay, work, and raise a family here.

Responses have been lightly edited for clarity, grammar, spelling, and AP style. Substance and positions have not been altered.