Clayton Estus for Payne County Commissioner: District 3

06/20/2026

After much thought and reflection, I’ve come to realize that while this election didn’t go the way we hoped, the voters have spoken and I fully respect their decision.

I want to sincerely thank every person who supported me, prayed for me, shared a post, put up a sign, donated, invited me into your home, or simply took the time to have a conversation. The support my family and I received throughout this campaign is something we will never forget.

I also want to congratulate Rhonda Markum on her victory. As we move into the next four years, we should all sincerely hope for her success because Payne County needs it. At the end of the day, this was never about one person—it was about our communities, our roads, our employees, and the future of our county.

While I may not have won the election, I gained something far more valuable: friendships, experiences, and a deeper appreciation for the people of Payne County. I met folks from every corner of the district, heard your concerns, listened to your ideas, and was reminded time and time again why this county is such a special place to call home.

I am proud of the campaign we ran. We stayed true to our beliefs, spoke honestly about the issues, and never lost sight of why we started this journey in the first place—to serve the people of Payne County.

To everyone who stood beside me through the highs and lows, thank you. Your encouragement, support, and faith in me meant more than you’ll ever know.

God has a plan for all of us, and I trust His plan for me. No matter where that path leads, my commitment to this county and the people who call it home will remain unchanged.
Thank you, Payne County.

God bless each of you, and God bless Payne County.

See you in 4 years, Payne County. This race may be over, but the future is still ahead of us.

— Clayton Estus

06/16/2026

Today is Election Day.

No matter who you vote for, or what the results are tonight, I am grateful.

This campaign has challenged me, stretched me, and taught me a lot, but through it all, my faith in God has carried me every step of the way. That same faith will continue to guide me long after today’s election is over.

I want to sincerely thank every person who took the time to call, message, invite me into your home, share a post, put up a sign, or simply have a conversation with me. The support, encouragement, and friendships made along the way mean more than words can express.

Running for office was never about a title. It was about serving the people of Payne County with a servant’s heart and doing my best to be a voice for the community I love.

Whatever happens tonight, I am thankful for this journey and for every person who gave me the opportunity to earn their trust.

Thank you
Clayton Estus

“Commit your work to the Lord, and your plans will be established.” Proverbs 16:3

06/13/2026

With the support of the people of Payne County, I make this commitment:

For too long, we’ve been told the roads are improving while many residents continue to drive through standing water, failing drainage, washed-out shoulders, narrowing roadways, and gravel roads that don’t hold up after a rain.

I believe Payne County deserves better.

Water is the number one enemy of every road. Proper ditches, culverts, drainage, and road crowning aren’t optional—they are the foundation of roads that last. A road should shed water, not hold it.

I’ve heard it said that many of our drainage and ditching problems still trace back to the 2019 floods. My question is simple: if these problems were identified years ago, why are so many of them still here today?

At some point, we have to stop blaming the past and start taking responsibility for the present.

When ditches remain silted in, drainage suffers. When drainage suffers, road bases fail. When road bases fail, taxpayers end up paying for the same problems over and over again.

I will work to address county-wide drainage issues, improve ditching, and ensure our roads are maintained with proper crowning and proven grading practices. Good roads don’t happen by accident—they happen through attention to detail, experience, and accountability.

I will also prioritize maintaining road width and right-of-ways. Across the county, roads are gradually narrowing as grass, brush, and lack of maintenance consume valuable roadway. That’s not just frustrating—it’s a safety issue for families, school buses, emergency vehicles, and farm traffic.

Just as important, we must address the high employee turnover that has plagued District 3. You cannot build a strong road department when experienced employees are constantly leaving and institutional knowledge walks out the door.

I will advocate for better pay, additional training opportunities, and increased funding for employee development. Most importantly, I will support, respect, and invest in the men and women who are out there every day maintaining our roads, operating equipment, responding to storms, and serving the people of Payne County.

Good employees are not an expense—they are an investment.

Most importantly, I will advocate for road and infrastructure decisions to be based on condition, safety, traffic, and need—not politics, favoritism, or convenience. Taxpayer dollars should be invested where they make the biggest impact and solve the biggest problems.

Payne County doesn’t need more excuses. It needs leadership that protects taxpayer investments, prioritizes maintenance, communicates openly, and delivers results.

I will answer the phone. I will listen. I will communicate. And I will work every day to earn the trust you’ve placed in me.

If you’re ready for a new direction and a Commissioner with real-world road building and maintenance experience, I’d be honored to earn your vote.

Clayton Estus for Payne County Commissioner District 3

06/11/2026

I appreciate Chris Peters and The Stillwegian for giving voters an opportunity to hear directly from both candidates and compare our answers side by side.

As you read through the questionnaire, I encourage you to look beyond titles, certifications, and years in government. Look at the results. Look at the condition of the roads, bridges, drainage, and infrastructure throughout District 3.

Experience matters, but results matter more.

If you’re satisfied with the direction District 3 is headed, you have a choice. If you’re ready for a different approach, stronger communication, greater accountability, and leadership backed by real-world road construction and maintenance experience, I’d be honored to earn your vote.

Early voting is underway, and Election Day is June 16th.

Thank you for your support

🛣️ DISTRICT 3 COMMISSIONER — the incumbent vs. her former second-in-command.

Incumbent Rhonda Markum faces challenger Clayton Estus for the District 3 seat on the Payne County Board of Commissioners, covering the western half of the county. No Democrat or independent filed, so the June 16 primary winner takes the seat outright.

Meet the candidates 👇

Rhonda Markum, 63, Stillwater (R, incumbent) — Elected in 2022 after eight years as the District 3 administrative assistant under two commissioners. Before filing for the seat, she earned the Road Scholars certification, a state-level course in road construction management and documentation.

Clayton Estus, 32, Mulhall (R) — Describes himself as a lifelong Payne County resident with more than 14 years in heavy civil and road construction, excavation and equipment operations. He joined Payne County District 3 in October 2024 as road foreman and was promoted to chief deputy commissioner — the No. 2 position in the district, under the incumbent he is now challenging — before resigning at the end of March 2026 to file for the seat. His campaign emphasizes fiscal accountability and improved communication with constituents.

📋 On the Election Desk: Both Markum and Estus have answered our questionnaire. Read their full responses 👇
NO SIGN UP REQUIRED TO READ

https://www.thestillwegian.news/2026-election-desk/ -3

06/09/2026

Payne County, we’re down to the final week.

Early voting is June 11th, 12th, and 13th. Election Day is June 16th.

I’ve knocked doors, answered calls, listened to concerns, and shared my vision for our county. Now I’m asking for your support.

Please share this post, spread the word, and remind your friends, family, and neighbors to get out and vote.

Let’s get to work, Payne County. 🇺🇸

Clayton Estus
Payne County Commissioner, District 3

05/29/2026

📅 June 16th is right around the corner.
Let’s get to work, Payne County.

Vote Clayton Estus for Commissioner, District 3. 💪🇺🇸

05/28/2026

🚨EARLY VOTING WILL BE AT PAYNE COUNTY EXPO CENTER & CUSHING CHAMBER OF COMMERCE🚨

🗳️: Early voting will be June 11th, 12th & 13th
📍: Payne County Expo Center & Cushing Chamber of Commerce
⏰: 11th & 12th 8am-6pm the 13th 8am-2pm

Cushing Chamber of Commerce: 1301 E Main St

Payne County Expo Center: 4518 Expo Cir E

05/25/2026

Today we remember the heroes who gave everything for our country.
Freedom isn’t free — and their sacrifice will never be forgotten. 🇺🇸

05/19/2026

SHARE SHARE SHARE

This is exactly why proper road preparation matters.

You cannot expect taxpayers to get a long-lasting road when vegetation, roots, sticks, and topsoil are left underneath the base. Any experienced road builder knows organic material has no place in a proper foundation.

When a project costs taxpayers over $450,000, the standard should be higher than “good enough.”

Road construction is not just about what people see on top — it’s about what’s buried underneath. Proper stripping, compaction, drainage, and base preparation are what determine whether a road lasts 15 years… or starts failing early.

The people of Payne County deserve accountability, quality workmanship, and infrastructure built the right way the first time.

This isn’t about politics to me. It’s about protecting taxpayer investment and bringing experienced, common-sense leadership back to county government.

05/12/2026

PAYNE COUNTY — only 36 days away, don’t wait until the last minute to get ready to vote. 🇺🇸

The 2026 election season is coming up fast, and now’s the time to:
✔️ Check your voter registration
✔️ Find your polling place
✔️ Request absentee ballots if needed
✔️ Mark important election dates on your calendar

Primary Election: June 16
Early Voting: June 11-13

No matter where you stand, your voice matters and every local vote counts. Share this post so friends, family, and neighbors stay informed.