Senator Shane Jett, Cherokee Nation Citizen, at the Center of GOP Turmoil in Oklahom

Staff Report | Cherokee 411

As the Oklahoma Republican Party grapples with internal divisions and a push by far-right activists to reshape its future, Senator Shane Jett , a Cherokee Nation citizen , has emerged as a prominent voice and leader in the state’s conservative movement.

Jett, who represents Oklahoma Senate District 17 and chairs the Oklahoma Freedom Caucus in the legislature, has been a driving force behind efforts to strengthen conservative influence within the GOP. A retired U.S. Navy lieutenant and experienced legislator, Jett brings both military and political experience to his leadership role.

A Conservative Vision for the GOP

In recent interviews, Jett has framed the Republican Party’s internal struggle as a moment of transformation. According to him, the Freedom Caucus , which he chairs , is organizing grassroots support to ensure that elected officials follow through on conservative campaign commitments once in office.

“We have this idea that you should actually legislate the way you promised you would when you were knocking on doors … and if you’re not, then we’re going to provide real-world data so constituents can see, ‘Oh, wow. They lied to us,’” Jett said in an October interview.

Under his leadership, the Freedom Caucus has actively promoted core constitutional values, including limited government and personal accountability. These efforts reflect Jett’s long-standing commitment to conservative principles. A commitment shaped not only by his political career but also by his personal background and service.

The Open Primary Debate

A major flash point in current GOP politics centers on State Question 836, a proposed constitutional amendment that would open Oklahoma’s primary elections to all voters, including independents and members of other parties. This idea has drawn sharp criticism from Jett and other GOP leaders, who argue that allowing non-Republicans to vote in GOP primaries would dilute conservative influence and undermine the party’s ability to choose its own candidates.

Jett has echoed this concern, describing those who support open primaries as “trans-Republicans” , Republicans in name but, in his view, not in principle. He has argued that open primaries would blur the ideological lines that the Freedom Caucus is working to solidify and could ultimately weaken the party’s identity and effectiveness.