Oklahoma Youth Governors Take Office

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While the Oklahoma State Legislature convened its 2nd Session on February 2nd, the Oklahoma Institute for Child Advocacy (OICA) administered the oaths of office for the 2026 leaders of its two youth governor programs - the Oklahoma Kid Governor and the Oklahoma 4-H Junior Governor.

Why it matters

These youth governor programs provide valuable civics education and leadership opportunities for Oklahoma students, allowing them to learn about state government, run election campaigns, and serve one-year terms advocating for important issues in their communities.

The details

The Oklahoma Kid Governor program, operated in conjunction with the Connecticut Democracy Center, selects a 5th grade student through a statewide election process. The 2026 Kid Governor is Katelyn Talley from Valliant, whose platform is animal abuse prevention. The Kid Lieutenant Governor is Sophia Chavarria Rivera from Bethany, with a platform of bullying prevention, and the Kid Secretary of State is Daphne Tanequodle from Lawton, who will address homelessness. The Oklahoma 4-H Junior Governor program also elected its 2026 leaders - Junior Governor Riley Braden from Bristow, who will promote the sanctity of life, Junior Lieutenant Governor Whitlee Moser from Perkins, who will focus on education, and Junior Secretary of State Riley Rudder from Fort Towson, who will advocate for turtle conservation.

• The youth governor elections were timed to coincide with Election Day in November 2025.
• The students were sworn in at the Oklahoma State Capitol on February 2, 2026.

What’s next

The new youth governors will be hosted at the Oklahoma State Capitol to meet with lawmakers before the legislative session concludes, and they will also attend OICA's annual Heroes Ball in July.