Just as we reported Oklahoma Energy and Environment Secretary Jeff Starling intended to be a candidate for attorney general, he took the formal step in recent days.
Starling filed his official candidacy for the Republican nomination with the Oklahoma Ethics Commission on July 1.
He became the second candidate for the nomination. The other is former state Rep. Jonn Echols of Oklahoma City. Both want to succeed Attorney General Gentner Drummond who is a candidate for governor.
Starling has been state Energy Secretary since December 2024 and replaced Ken McQueen who was fired by Governor Stitt for supporting a clean water lawsuit against the poultry industry.
Starling’s political website declared, “Jeff Starling isn’t a career politician and has never run for office before. With over 20 years of experience as an attorney, businessman, and public servant, Jeff brings real-world leadership to the fight for Oklahoma’s future.”
It further stated, “As an attorney, Jeff has fought for justice by taking on tough cases and upholding the rule of law. He has defended our nation’s farmers, oil and gas producers, and law enforcement officers. As a businessman and entrepreneur, Jeff has managed large teams, created high-paying jobs, and positioned companies for greater success.”