Oklahoma State Senator Accuses Colleagues of Intoxication During Vote

Senate leadership calls claims "baseless" and criticizes senator's "troubling behavior"

Jan. 30, 2026 at 6:31am

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

An Oklahoma state senator is accusing some of his fellow lawmakers of showing up intoxicated for the final vote of last year's legislative session. State Sen. Shane Jett (R-Shawnee) claims members were drinking in offices and on the Senate floor, and that he raised concerns with Senate President Pro Tempore Lonnie Paxton (R-Tuttle), who did not act on the allegations. Paxton and other Senate leaders have strongly disputed Jett's claims, calling them "baseless" and criticizing Jett's "troubling behavior" and "need for attention."

Why it matters

The allegations of intoxication during legislative proceedings raise concerns about the integrity and professionalism of the state government. If true, the incidents could undermine public trust in the legislative process and call into question the decision-making abilities of elected officials. The dispute between Jett and Senate leadership also highlights ongoing tensions and divisions within the state's Republican caucus.

The details

Jett said he submitted a bill request called the "No Legislating While Drunk Act of 2026" in response to the alleged incidents, but claimed the request was ignored. He also said his privileges as a presiding officer and his vice chairmanship were removed by Senate leadership, which he believes was in retaliation for his actions. Paxton and other senators have pushed back strongly against Jett's claims, accusing him of a "pattern of conduct that reflects his need for attention rather than responsible governance."

  • The alleged incidents occurred during the final hours of the 2025 legislative session.
  • Jett said he raised concerns with Paxton during the final hours of the 2025 session.
  • Jett submitted a bill request for the "No Legislating While Drunk Act of 2026" the morning after the 2025 session ended.

The players

Shane Jett

A Republican state senator from Shawnee, Oklahoma who has accused his colleagues of being intoxicated during legislative proceedings.

Lonnie Paxton

The Republican President Pro Tempore of the Oklahoma State Senate, who has strongly disputed Jett's claims and criticized his behavior.

Michael Bergstrom

A Republican state senator from Adair, Oklahoma and fellow member of the Senate's conservative Freedom Caucus, who has criticized Jett's "troubling behavior" and "efforts to demonize fellow members."

Paul Rosino

A Republican state senator whose wife previously worked for the Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services, which Jett had questioned about a potential conflict of interest.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“Members were were drinking. There was bottles of alcohol in offices, invitations on the floor, 'come up to my office and have a drink' were being issued to the members.”

— Shane Jett, State Senator (KFOR)

“Senator Jett's accusations are baseless and lack credibility. He approached me with these claims in the waning hours of the last day of session, at a point when no action could be taken. This is a pattern of conduct that reflects his need for attention rather than responsible governance.”

— Lonnie Paxton, Senate President Pro Tempore (KFOR)

“Senator Jett is choosing to work against the broader goals of the Senate caucus rather than working collaboratively to make a positive impact for our state. The continued rhetoric, name-calling and efforts to demonize fellow members have gone too far.”

— Michael Bergstrom, State Senator (KFOR)

What’s next

The new legislative session begins at noon on Monday, when the dispute between Jett and Senate leadership is likely to continue.

The takeaway

This incident highlights the ongoing tensions and divisions within the Oklahoma state legislature, as well as the importance of maintaining professionalism and integrity in the legislative process. The allegations, if true, could undermine public trust in state government, while the dispute between Jett and Senate leadership reflects the broader political dynamics at play.