Chris Jones
DemocraticQ1 Oklahoma’s public research universities contribute substantially to the state’s research capacity, innovation economy, and workforce development. The University of Oklahoma alone reported more than $400 million in research and development expenditures across its three campuses in fiscal year 2022. NIH grants reimburse institutions for both direct research costs and indirect costs, the facilities, administration, and support infrastructure that make research possible. A proposed federal policy change would cap NIH reimbursement for indirect costs at 15%, below the rates many institutions currently receive. What policies, if any, would you support at the state or federal level to protect the long-term stability of Oklahoma’s university research infrastructure, and why?
I would support policies that protect Oklahoma’s ability to compete for federal research dollars while also demanding transparency and accountability in how those dollars are spent. At the state level, I would support protecting Oklahoma’s research universities from sudden federal funding disruptions through competitive research matching funds, investments in shared research infrastructure, and stronger partnerships among universities, Oklahoma businesses, aerospace and defense employers, health systems, and other industries.
Keywords: Protect federal and support state investments
Q2 Tribal nations play an important role in Oklahoma’s environmental stewardship, but many face challenges in accessing resources and infrastructure for environmental science, land management, and water monitoring. What policies, if any, would you support to strengthen tribal capacity in these areas, and why?
I would support policies that strengthen tribal nations’ ability to manage and protect their lands, water, and natural resources while respecting tribal sovereignty and self-determination.
Keywords: Support and strengthen tribal nations
Q3 Oklahoma’s agricultural economy depends on reliable access to water, but competing demands among agricultural producers, rural communities, and growing industries have created challenges for managing the state’s water resources. Recent legislation has updated groundwater reporting requirements, enforcement mechanisms, and requirements for certain data center cooling systems while protecting permitted users who reduce water use through conservation. How effective do you believe current policies are in protecting Oklahoma’s water resources? What additional policies, if any, would you support to balance the needs of agricultural producers, rural communities, and economic development?
I support better monitoring of our aquifers, incentives that help farmers and ranchers conserve water, and continued investment in rural water infrastructure. Large industrial projects should also demonstrate that their water demands will not threaten local communities or agriculture before receiving major state incentives.
Keywords: Support local water and demand transparency for companies.
Q4 The Oklahoma Corporation Commission lists nearly 17,000 wells on its official Orphan Well List. In 2026, legislation was introduced in Oklahoma to allow abandoned oil and gas wells to be repurposed for geothermal energy or energy storage. What policies, if any, would you support to address the remediation of Oklahoma’s orphaned oil and gas wells, including opportunities to safely repurpose suitable wells?
I support continued state and federal funding to plug and remediate orphaned wells, while strengthening financial responsibility requirements so taxpayers are not left paying for wells abandoned by operators.
Keywords: Plug the wells and make companies responsible, not taxpayers.
Q5 Oklahoma is home to nationally recognized severe weather research and forecasting facilities based in Norman, including NOAA’s National Severe Storms Laboratory and the National Weather Center. These facilities support research and forecasting efforts that improve severe weather preparedness and public safety. What policies, if any, would you support to ensure continued investment in severe weather research and forecasting?
I would also support investment in next-generation radar, forecasting technology, and programs that move new discoveries into the hands of National Weather Service forecasters and emergency managers as quickly as possible. For Oklahoma, severe-weather research isn’t just an investment in science—it’s an investment in public safety, our economy, and saving lives.
Keywords: Invest to save lives and our economy.
Q6 Oklahoma has experienced increased growth in data centers and artificial intelligence infrastructure, creating new considerations for energy demand, utility planning, and ratepayer impacts (Oklahoma Senate, 2026). What policies, if any, would you support to guide utility oversight and infrastructure planning as data center development continues?
I support the new ratepayer protections requiring large-load customers to pay their fair share of the electricity and infrastructure costs they create. I would also require strong long-term utility planning so new projects do not reduce grid reliability or leave ratepayers paying for infrastructure if a project closes or never reaches its projected demand. I also support transparency and community involvement before major projects are developed.
Keywords: Protect ratepayers and company transparency.
Q7 Proposed federal changes to Medicaid financing could affect healthcare coverage and rural hospital funding nationwide (Congressional Budget Office, 2025; Saunders et al., 2025). What evidence-based policies, if any, would you support to improve rural healthcare access, community health outcomes, and the sustainability of rural healthcare systems in Oklahoma?
I would support policies that protect rural hospital funding, expand access to primary care and behavioral health, strengthen telehealth, and provide incentives for doctors, nurses, and other healthcare professionals to practice in underserved Oklahoma communities. I would also support using available federal Rural Health Transformation funding for workforce recruitment, emergency services, maternity care, and keeping rural hospitals financially sustainable.
Keywords: Protect and expand Medicare in OK.