- Today
- Holidays
- Birthdays
- Reminders
- Cities
- Atlanta
- Austin
- Baltimore
- Berwyn
- Beverly Hills
- Birmingham
- Boston
- Brooklyn
- Buffalo
- Charlotte
- Chicago
- Cincinnati
- Cleveland
- Columbus
- Dallas
- Denver
- Detroit
- Fort Worth
- Houston
- Indianapolis
- Knoxville
- Las Vegas
- Los Angeles
- Louisville
- Madison
- Memphis
- Miami
- Milwaukee
- Minneapolis
- Nashville
- New Orleans
- New York
- Omaha
- Orlando
- Philadelphia
- Phoenix
- Pittsburgh
- Portland
- Raleigh
- Richmond
- Rutherford
- Sacramento
- Salt Lake City
- San Antonio
- San Diego
- San Francisco
- San Jose
- Seattle
- Tampa
- Tucson
- Washington
Oklahoma Rep. Fetgatter Announces Retirement After 10 Years
Tribal Affairs Leader Cites Need for 'New Challenges' in Deciding Not to Seek Reelection
Mar. 11, 2026 at 4:04pm
Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›
House Tribal and External Affairs Leader Rep. Scott Fetgatter, R-Okmulgee, announced he will not seek reelection for his final legislative term after serving 10 years in the Oklahoma House of Representatives. Fetgatter, first elected in 2016, cited a desire for 'new challenges' as the reason behind his decision.
Why it matters
Fetgatter has played a key role in the Oklahoma legislature, particularly on issues related to the state's 39 sovereign tribal nations. His departure will leave a void in legislative leadership on tribal affairs and economic development initiatives he has championed, including the Filmed in Oklahoma Act and aerospace engineering tax credits.
The details
During his time in office, Fetgatter has chaired the House Appropriations and Budget Finance Subcommittee for seven years and served on several other committees. He has worked to build bridges with the state's tribes, enhance economic development opportunities, and negotiate compacts and gaming issues. Fetgatter also authored legislation creating competitive film incentives and automotive engineering tax credits.
- Fetgatter was first elected to the Oklahoma House in 2016.
- He will finish his 10th year in office in November 2026.
The players
Rep. Scott Fetgatter
A Republican representing House District 16 in the Oklahoma House of Representatives, which includes parts of Muskogee, Okmulgee and Tulsa counties. Fetgatter has served as the House Tribal and External Affairs Leader and has worked extensively on issues related to the state's 39 sovereign tribal nations.
Kyle Hilbert
The Speaker of the Oklahoma House of Representatives, who named Fetgatter chairman of the Joint Committee on State and Tribal Relations and leader of tribal and external affairs for the House.
What they’re saying
“I'm ready for some new challenges and to move into my future. This decision comes after much consideration and conversations with my family.”
— Rep. Scott Fetgatter (yourokmulgee.com)
“My whole life I've believed with 39 tribal nations in the State of Oklahoma that contribute billions of dollars to our local economies, job creation, infrastructure and educational opportunities, the tribes are the greatest partners the state is blessed to have. I would like to see better collaboration so this partnership thrives in the future.”
— Rep. Scott Fetgatter (yourokmulgee.com)
What’s next
Fetgatter will finish his 10th and final year in the Oklahoma House of Representatives in November 2026.
The takeaway
Fetgatter's retirement will leave a significant void in the Oklahoma legislature's leadership on tribal affairs and economic development initiatives, underscoring the importance of cultivating strong relationships between the state government and the state's 39 sovereign tribal nations.
