Tom Gann

Tom Gann is a Republican state representative serving Oklahoma House District 8, covering parts of Mayes, Rogers, and Wagoner Counties, including areas like Inola, Chouteau, Claremore, and Pryor Creek. Born January 11, 1959, in Wagoner, Oklahoma, he has held the seat since 2016 and is known for his small-government conservatism, 100% conservative voting scores, and efforts to challenge utility rate increases and government overreach.

Tom Gann grew up in Tahlequah, Oklahoma, and resides in Inola with his wife of over 39 years, Debbie Chapman Gann. They have three children and seven grandchildren. A former small business owner, Gann started a gas station and grocery business in Fort Gibson in 1984, employing 12 people until selling it in 1996. He also developed commercial properties, bringing new businesses to the community. Gann has a reputation for scrutinizing legislation line-by-line, exposing special interest schemes, and advocating against government picking winners and losers. Notable actions include personally challenging Oklahoma Corporation Commission decisions at the state Supreme Court to fight utility rate hikes totaling billions, and introducing HB 3115 in 2024 to restrict public libraries' affiliations with certain associations. He supports local control, secure borders, medical freedom, and clean government.

Education and Political Experience

Gann graduated from Northeastern State University with degrees in marketing and accounting, skills he applies as an auditor-minded legislator. His political career includes five years on the Fort Gibson School Board, where he opposed federal "Outcomes Based Education" initiatives and ended a pilot program. He ran for State Senate District 3, earning 41% of the vote in a Democrat-heavy area, served as a Republican State Committeeman, and contributed to the party platform. Elected to the Oklahoma House in 2016 after defeating incumbent Ben Sherrer, he was re-elected in 2020 by default and continues to serve. Previously Chairman of the Administrative Rules Committee, he led an interim study resulting in SB913, creating the Joint Committee on Administrative Rules for greater transparency. He serves on committees including Alcohol, Tobacco and Controlled Substances; A&B General Government; Commerce and Economic Development Oversight; and State Powers.