Oklahoma Attorney General Gentner Drummond’s weighty push against the poultry industry over pollution of the Illinois River Watershed just came back to affect his campaign for Governor.
After endorsing Drummond a year ago, the Oklahoma Cattlemen’s Association did a reversal this past week, rescinding its support for him, even though he is also a cattleman.
In an announcement, the organization said it “voided” its January 2025 political endorsement of Drummond for Governor. It suggested the decision came about because of his push for the 20-year old Illinois River Watershed pollution lawsuit, a lawsuit that could imperil hundreds of poultry farmers in eastern Oklahoma.
Drummond has a ranch in northern Oklahoma and has referenced his cattle operation in his TV ads as he runs for Governor. But it made no difference to the cattle organization.
“OCA has significant concerns regarding subsequent actions taken by the Office of the Attorney General, including watershed-based regulatory and litigation strategies that directly impact cattle operations across Oklahoma. The Association believes these actions are contrary to the economic interests, operational viability, and private property rights of Oklahoma’s beef producers,” stated the organization in its announcement.
It further stated, “In accordance with action taken by its governing body, OCA will withdraw all public references
to the January 2025 endorsement from its official communications and has notified Attorney General Drummond that the endorsement has been rescinded.”
Drummond has not commented publicly about the decision.
According to the announcement, the association also adopted internal policy that will guide the organization with future political engagements. The new policy states that OCA shall not officially endorse any candidates for any political position or office on the local, state, or national levels.
“The Oklahoma Cattlemen’s Association exists to advocate for cattle producers and rural landowners across our state,” said Michael Kelsey, Executive Vice President of OCA. “Our policy positions and political engagement must reflect the priorities and direction of our membership. This action reinforces that commitment.”
OCA said it will continue to engage constructively with elected officials and candidates at all levels of government while advocating for science-based policy, regulatory certainty, and the protection
of private property rights critical to Oklahoma agriculture.