Oklahoma State Senator Thompson Announces Resignation

An Oklahoma state senator has resigned his seat after having been removed from a chairmanship position earlier this year.

Sen. Roger Thompson (R-Okemah) announced the resignation on Friday with a written statement, a letter addressed to senate leader Greg Treat:

"Dear Senator Treat,

I am grateful and honored to have had the opportunity to serve the people of Senate District 8 for the last 10 years.

Pursuant to 26 O.S. 12-119, I hereby irrevocably tender my resignation for the elected position of State Senator for District 8. Such resignation shall not become effective immediately but shall become effective on November 1, 2024."

The resignation came just weeks "after he was suddenly removed as chairman of the Senate Appropriations and Budget Committee," according to NonDoc.

Thompson's announced departure elicited a tribute from Treat:

"Senator Roger Thompson has been a wonderful friend and great partner in the Senate over the last 10 years. His faithful stewardship of the budget the past several years has led to record savings and record investments in education, behavioral health and infrastructure. Sen. Thompson has also helped navigate the Legislature through many difficult times, especially through the ARPA process. His work on developing the Legislative Office of Fiscal Transparency as co-chair has been instrumental in the successful outcomes we have seen come out of this office. Senator Thompson has a servant’s heart through and through. Even before coming to the Senate, he served in numerous roles in his community, including as a pastor for his local ministry and as a missionary in overseas outreach.

Senator Thompson has served his state well and while I look forward to continuing our friendship moving forward, the Senate is losing a valued member of our family. I wish him and his wife, Pamela, well on whatever is in store next for them."