Osborn Sets Sights on Labor Commissioner Office, Gains Speaker McCall’s Support

Rep. Leslie Osborn has confirmed the rumors are true that she will run for Labor Commissioner in the 2018 elections. Earlier this week, she was replaced as House Appropriations and Budget Chair by Speaker Charles McCall, who is supportive of Osborn’s choice to run for statewide office.

Osborn said she received overwhelming support when the news surfaced that she was no longer House A&B Chair.

“The support has lifted my spirits and renewed my desire to fight the good fight for Oklahomans who want to see destructive partisan politics, bickering and pettiness replaced with constructive conversations, fresh ideas and bold initiatives. My hope is to set a new agenda for strengthening our economy and improving the quality of life for Oklahomans,” said Osborn.

Her dismissal came on the heels of a disagreement between McCall and Osborn concerning Department of Human Services cuts and funding. McCall claimed replacing Osborn as chair of the House A&B Committee had nothing to do with the disagreement.

Currently, Melissa Houston is serving as Labor Commissioner. She was appointed by Governor Fallin after the murder of Commissioner Mark Costello in 2015. Houston will not run for the seat when as the current term comes to an end.

McCall is supporting three Republicans who have indicated they are running for statewide office, including Osborn.

“Representative Osborn has been a tremendous leader in the Legislature, not just this past session but since she was first elected,” said McCall. “Most people think of her accomplishments as Budget Chair, but small business owners across the state know how hard she has worked on the issue of worker’s compensation reform, which she helped become law when she served as Judiciary Chairman. Her small business experience, combined with her pro-business record in the legislature, make her an ideal fit to be our next Labor Commissioner.”

McCall is supporting Rep. Randy McDaniel for Treasurer and Rep. Glen Mulready for Insurance Commissioner, as well.

“It has been an honor and a privilege to work with these fine public servants,” said McCall. “Each of them have shown great leadership in their work as House members, and have made valuable contributions to our state. I’m excited to support each of them in their future endeavors.”

McCall said his policy as Speaker has been that members seeking statewide office would be asked to resign their committee chairmanships and leadership roles. He expects to make more announcements soon as to who will fill those roles.


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