ENSIKLOPEDIA
Josh Brecheen
Josh Brecheen | |
|---|---|
 Official portrait, 2023 | |
| Member of the U.S. House of Representatives from Oklahoma's 2nd district | |
| Assumed office January 3, 2023 | |
| Preceded by | Markwayne Mullin |
| Member of the Oklahoma Senate from the 6th district | |
| In office November 2010 – November 14, 2018 | |
| Preceded by | Jay Paul Gumm |
| Succeeded by | David Bullard |
| Personal details | |
| Born | Joshua Chad Brecheen (1979-06-19) June 19, 1979 (age 46) Ada, Oklahoma, U.S. |
| Citizenship | American Choctaw Nation |
| Party | Republican |
| Education | Southeastern Oklahoma State University (attended) Oklahoma State University, Stillwater (BS) |
| Website | House website Campaign website |
Joshua Chad Brecheen (/brəˈkiːn/, brə-KEEN, born June 19, 1979)[1] is a Native American politician who has served as the U.S. representative for Oklahoma's 2nd congressional district since 2023. A member of the Republican Party, he previously served in the Oklahoma Senate from 2010 to 2018. He is a citizen of the Choctaw Nation.
Early life and career
Joshua Chad Brecheen was born on June 19, 1979.[2] He attended Southeastern Oklahoma State University in Durant. In 1997, he was first elected as SE District Vice-president of the Oklahoma FFA. The next year, he was elected State FFA President, moved to Stillwater, and transferred to Oklahoma State University.[3] He served as State FFA President until 1999.[4]
After retiring from the FFA, Brecheen graduated from Oklahoma State University with a dual degree in animal science and agricultural communications.[3] In 2004, he was hired as a field representative for U.S. senator Tom Coburn, where he worked until his election to the Oklahoma Senate.[5] He owns a motivational speaking business, Brecheen Keynotes and Seminars, as well as a small trucking and excavation business.[5]
Oklahoma Senate career
Brecheen filed to run for the Oklahoma Senate's 6th district in 2010.[6] He ran unopposed in the Republican primary and faced incumbent Democratic Senator Jay Paul Gumm.[7] Brecheen defeated Gumm in the November election.[8] The Tulsa World reported the 6th Senate district race as having the highest fundraising total for a State Senate seat in 2010, with Brecheen raising $217,548 and Gumm $289,786.[9]
During his first term, Brecheen filed a bill to repeal Oklahoma's Pet Breeders Act, which required breeders provide their animals with minimum veterinary care, food and water. The bill established fees that pet breeders would pay the state to cover the costs of inspections. Brecheen argued the bill punished law-abiding citizens.[10] He also filed a Senate resolution to have the Oklahoma Legislature meet every other year instead of annually and cut legislators pay,[11] and introduced legislation to cut the Art in Public Places program, which provided funding to public art projects in the state.[12] Brecheen also filed SB 554 to allow teachers to teach "the debate of creation vs. evolution" in Oklahoma public schools.[13]
Brecheen served in the Oklahoma Senate until 2018. He retired after two terms, citing a commitment to term limits.[5]
Brecheen was criticized by the National Center for Science Education for introducing several education bills modeled on anti-evolution bills from Texas, Tennessee, and Louisiana during his senate tenure.[14]
U.S House of Representatives
Elections
2022
In 2022, Brecheen ran for Oklahoma's 2nd congressional district in a 14-candidate Republican primary to succeed retiring congressman Markwayne Mullin. Mullin retired to run in a special election for U.S. Senate.[15] He styled himself during the campaign as "Tom Coburn's protégé" and vowed to vote "no" on any tax increases.[16] Brecheen advanced to a runoff election with state Representative Avery Frix after placing second in the primary. He narrowly defeated Frix in the runoff, winning the nomination.[17] During the primary Brecheen's campaign was supported by $3.2 million in political action committee spending in support of his campaign or in opposition to Frix, including $1.8 million in support from a Club for Growth affiliated political action committee.[18] He defeated Democratic nominee Naomi Andrews and independent "Bulldog" Ben Robinson in the general election.[19]
2024
Brecheen ran unopposed in the Republican primary in 2024 and will face Democratic candidate Brandon Wade and independent candidate Ronnie Hopkins.[20]
2026
Brecheen filed for reelection in 2026 and will face veteran and missionary Will Webb in the 2026 Republican primary election.[21]
Tenure
On the last day of June 2023, Brecheen introduced the Patriotism Not Pride Act which, if passed, would bar the use of federal funds for Pride Month events and ban federal agencies from displaying the Pride flag.[22]
2023 Speaker election
During the first round of voting in the 2023 House Speaker election, Brecheen cast the sole vote for Representative Jim Banks.[23] He switched his support to Representative Jim Jordan on the second and third ballots,[24] then to Representative Byron Donalds for the next three ballots.[25] On the third day of the speakership election, Brecheen voted for Donalds again on the seventh ballot.[26] On the eighth ballot, he voted for Kevin Hern after Hern was nominated by Representative Lauren Boebert.[27] He voted for Hern again on the ninth, tenth, and 11th ballots.[26] He switched his support to Kevin McCarthy on the 12th ballot after McCarthy agreed to additional reforms to the House rules.[28]
Syria
In 2023, Brecheen was among 47 Republicans to vote in favor of H.Con.Res. 21 which directed President Joe Biden to remove U.S. troops from Syria within 180 days.[29][30]
Israel
Brecheen voted to provide Israel with support following 2023 Hamas attack on Israel.[31][32]
Ukraine
In 2024, Brecheen voted against the $60 billion military aid package for Ukraine; The Washington Post reported that some of the funding would have supported defense jobs in his constituency.[33]
Sharia law
During a town hall meeting, Brecheen said that "We’ve got Sharia Law trying to be set up in America today. Absolutely we do. You have Sharia Law trying to be established in America today." Brecheen suggested that the Muslim Brotherhood, which he also accused of committing an unspecified genocide, was responsible for the spread of pro-sharia ideology. He further suggested that President of Turkey Recep Tayyip Erdogan wanted to re-establish the Ottoman Empire.[34][35] Brecheen is a cosponsor of Chip Roy's "Preserving A Sharia-Free America" Act, which would deport foreign nationals who support sharia law.[36]
Committee assignments
For the 119th Congress:[37]
Caucus memberships
Political positions
Cockfighting
Brecheen confirmed his support for decriminalizing cockfighting in January 2024 after Anthony DeVore, president of the Oklahoma Gamefowl Commission, told the Kentucky Gamefowl Commission his organization had the congressman's support.[39][40]
Personal life
Brecheen is a citizen of the Choctaw Nation.[41][42]
Election results
| Republican | Josh Brecheen | 11,719 | 56.77% | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Democratic | Jay Paul Gumm | 8,925 | 43.23% | ||
| Turnout | 20,644 | ||||
| Party | Candidate | Votes | % | ±% | |
| Republican | Josh Brecheen | 9,505 | 53.6% | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Democratic | Joe B. Hill | 7,888 | 44.5% | ||
| Independent | Vicki J. Gaylor | 339 | 1.9% | ||
| Turnout | 17,732 | ||||
| Party | Candidate | Votes | % | ±% | |
| Party | Candidate | Votes | % | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Republican | Avery Frix | 11,336 | 14.7 | |
| Republican | Josh Brecheen | 10,579 | 13.8 | |
| Republican | Johnny Teehee | 9,963 | 13.0 | |
| Republican | John Bennett | 8,713 | 11.3 | |
| Republican | Guy Barker | 8,444 | 11.0 | |
| Republican | Marty Quinn | 5,612 | 7.3 | |
| Republican | Wes Nofire | 4,859 | 6.3 | |
| Republican | David Derby | 4,204 | 5.5 | |
| Republican | Chris Schiller | 4,108 | 5.3 | |
| Republican | Dustin Roberts | 3,746 | 4.9 | |
| Republican | Pamela Gordon | 2,344 | 3.0 | |
| Republican | Rhonda Hopkins | 1,281 | 1.7 | |
| Republican | Clint Johnson | 1,128 | 1.5 | |
| Republican | Erick Wyatt | 615 | 0.8 | |
| Total votes | 76,932 | 100.0 | ||
| Party | Candidate | Votes | % | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Republican | Josh Brecheen | 33,517 | 52.2 | |
| Republican | Avery Frix | 30,686 | 47.8 | |
| Total votes | 64,203 | 100.0 | ||
| Party | Candidate | Votes | % | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Republican | Josh Brecheen | 167,843 | 72.45% | |
| Democratic | Naomi Andrews | 54,194 | 23.39% | |
| Independent | "Bulldog" Ben Robinson | 9,635 | 4.16% | |
| Total votes | 231,672 | 100% | ||
| Party | Candidate | Votes | % | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Republican | Josh Brecheen (incumbent) | 238,123 | 74.18% | |
| Democratic | Brandon Wade | 68,841 | 21.44% | |
| Independent | Ronnie Hopkins | 14,061 | 4.38% | |
| Total votes | 321,025 | 100% | ||
References
- ↑ https://bioguide.congress.gov/search/bio/B001317
- ↑ "Rep. Josh Brecheen (R-Oklahoma, 2nd)". November 12, 2022. Retrieved November 12, 2022.
- 1 2 "Senate - Oklahoma Legislature". Oklahoma State Legislature. Archived from the original on November 28, 2018.
- ↑ "Wagoner FFA students attend area conference". Tulsa World. September 29, 2009. Retrieved August 25, 2022.
- 1 2 3 Hancock, Andrea (August 23, 2022). "Josh Brecheen advances in 2nd Congressional District". Nondoc. Retrieved August 24, 2022.
- ↑ "Candidate filings". Tulsa World. June 13, 2010. Retrieved August 25, 2022.
- ↑ "Election 2010: State Races". Tulsa World. July 28, 2010. Retrieved August 25, 2022.
- ↑ "Election 2010: State Results". Tulsa World. November 3, 2010. Retrieved August 25, 2022.
- ↑ Killman, Curtis (November 6, 2010). "Analysis shows that Oklahoma fundraising champs won 76 percent of their election races". Tulsa World. Retrieved August 25, 2022.
- ↑ Off, Gavin (December 18, 2010). "Pet Breeders Act targeted". Tulsa World. Retrieved August 25, 2022.
- ↑ Hoberock, Barbara (January 15, 2011). "Senators' bills aim to cut costs of Legislature". Tulsa World. Retrieved August 25, 2022.
- ↑ Greene, Wayne (January 16, 2011). "Public Art". Tulsa World. Retrieved August 25, 2022.
- ↑ Krehbiel, Randy (January 28, 2011). "Two Oklahoma lawmakers file bills encouraging creationism". Tulsa World. Retrieved August 25, 2022.
- ↑ "Antiscience bill in Oklahoma - NCSE". ncse.com. Retrieved July 30, 2017.
- ↑ Gore, Hogan (April 22, 2022). "16 candidates comprise the field in dash for eastern Oklahoma congressional seat". The Oklahoman. Retrieved April 23, 2022.
- ↑ Gorman, Reese (August 24, 2022). "GOP contender for Oklahoma's only open congressional seat says he would vote 'no' on most bills". The Frontier. Retrieved January 3, 2023.
- ↑ "Brecheen tops Frix for GOP nomination for Oklahoma's 2nd Congressional District". The Oklahoman. Retrieved August 23, 2022.
- ↑ Gorman, Reese (August 12, 2022). "Super PACs are spending big on GOP candidates in Oklahoma's open U.S. House and Senate races". The Frontier. Retrieved January 3, 2023.
- ↑ DenHoed, Andrea (November 8, 2022). "Republicans sweep Oklahoma's federal races". Nondoc. Retrieved November 9, 2022.
- ↑ Patterson, Matt (April 6, 2024). "Corporation Commission seat draws 5, congressional incumbents find opponents". NonDoc. Retrieved June 2, 2024.
- ↑ Olsson, Faithanna (April 4, 2026). "Statewide, federal races: 15 file for governor, Oklahoma auditor wins by default". NonDoc. Retrieved April 11, 2026.
- ↑ Krehbiel, Randy (July 2, 2023). "Congressman Brecheen wants House Republicans bending further right". Tulsa World. Retrieved July 3, 2023.
- ↑ Schnell, Mychael (January 3, 2023). "Here are the 19 GOP lawmakers who voted against McCarthy for Speaker on first ballot". The Hill. Retrieved January 3, 2023.
- ↑ Krehbiel, Randy (January 3, 2023). "Congressman-elect Josh Brecheen among those blocking McCarthy speakership". Tulsa World. Retrieved January 6, 2023.
- ↑ Doherty, Erin (January 4, 2023). "House adjourns after tense vote as McCarthy plays for more time". Axios. Retrieved January 5, 2023.
- 1 2 Quigley, Aidan; McPherson, Lindsey; Lesniewski, Niels; Satter, Mark; Hellmann, Jessie (January 5, 2023). "Another day, similar result: Adjournment with no speaker". Rollcall. Retrieved January 6, 2023.
- ↑ Krehbiel, Randy (January 5, 2023). "Kevin Hern gets votes for House speaker on third day of fight in D.C." Tulsa World. Retrieved January 6, 2023.
- ↑ Casteel, Chris (January 6, 2023). "Josh Brecheen backs Kevin McCarthy on 12th ballot after 'intense deliberations' for U.S. House speaker". The Oklahoman. Retrieved January 6, 2023.
- ↑ "H.Con.Res. 21: Directing the President, pursuant to section 5(c) of … -- House Vote #136 -- Mar 8, 2023". March 8, 2023.
- ↑ "House Votes Down Bill Directing Removal of Troops From Syria". Associated Press. March 8, 2023.
- ↑ Demirjian, Karoun (October 25, 2023). "House Declares Solidarity With Israel in First Legislation Under New Speaker". The New York Times. ISSN 0362-4331. Retrieved October 30, 2023.
- ↑ Washington, U. S. Capitol Room H154; p:225-7000, DC 20515-6601 (October 25, 2023). "Roll Call 528 Roll Call 528, Bill Number: H. Res. 771, 118th Congress, 1st Session". Office of the Clerk, U.S. House of Representatives. Retrieved October 30, 2023.
{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: numeric names: authors list (link) - ↑ Thiessen, Marc (April 25, 2024). "These politicians voted against their states' best interests on Ukraine aid". The Washington Post. Retrieved April 26, 2024.
- ↑ Nash, Charlie (August 26, 2025). "Town Hall Attendee Bursts Out Laughing After GOP Congressman Warns About 'The Ottoman Empire'". Mediaite. Retrieved November 11, 2025.
- ↑ Orrico, Anthony (August 26, 2025). "Oklahoma Rep. mocked for claiming Erdogan is trying to 'reestablish the Ottoman empire'". The Daily Mirror. Retrieved November 11, 2025.
- ↑ Nitzberg, Alex (October 13, 2025). "Chip Roy and other Republicans push bill to block and deport Sharia law-adherent aliens: 'Existential threat'". Fox News. Retrieved October 13, 2025.
- ↑ "List of Standing Committees and Select Committees of the House of Representatives" (PDF). Clerk of the United States House of Representatives. Retrieved September 28, 2025.
- ↑ "Full list of Freedom Caucus Members after 2022 midterms results". Newsweek. November 10, 2022. Retrieved December 3, 2022.
- ↑ McNutt, Michael (January 24, 2024). "U.S. Rep. Josh Brecheen backs 'decriminalization of cockfighting'". NonDoc. Retrieved April 24, 2024.
- ↑ Hoffmann, Madeline (June 18, 2025). "Video shows Oklahoma Gamefowl Commission leaders at illegal cockfights". NonDoc. Retrieved June 18, 2025.
- ↑ "Republicans maintain all 5 US House seats in Oklahoma". KSTP.com. Archived from the original on November 9, 2022. Retrieved November 8, 2022.
- ↑ "Native candidates headed for Congress after midterms". Cherokee Phoenix. November 10, 2022. Retrieved November 10, 2022.
- ↑ "SUMMARY RESULTS: General Election -- November 2, 2010". Oklahoma State Election Board. Archived from the original on August 13, 2012. Retrieved November 5, 2014.
- ↑ "Federal, State, Legislative and Judicial Races General Election — November 4, 2014". Oklahoma State Election Board. Archived from the original on July 11, 2017. Retrieved July 30, 2017.
- ↑ "June 28 2022". okelections.us. Oklahoma State Election Board. Retrieved June 29, 2022.
- ↑ "August 23 2022 Official Results". results.okelections.us. Oklahoma State Election Board. Retrieved November 10, 2022.
- ↑ "November 5, 2024 Official Results". results.okelections.us. Oklahoma State Election Board. Retrieved November 6, 2024.
External links
- Congressman Josh Brecheen official U.S. House website
- Josh Brecheen for Congress
- Biography at the Biographical Directory of the United States Congress
- Financial information (federal office) at the Federal Election Commission
- Legislation sponsored at the Library of Congress
- Profile at Vote Smart
- Appearances on C-SPAN
| U.S. House of Representatives | ||
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| Preceded by | Member of the U.S. House of Representatives from Oklahoma's 2nd congressional district 2023–present |
Incumbent |
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| Preceded by | United States representatives by seniority 294th |
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