06/11/2026
Statement from Connie Johnson for Governor 2026
Affordable and accessible healthcare is not a privilege—it is a necessity for every Oklahoma family.
This legislative session reinforced what many Oklahomans already know: healthcare decisions made at the Capitol have real consequences for patients, seniors, veterans, people with disabilities, working families, and rural communities.
I was encouraged to see advocates, patients, and veterans successfully defend access to critical prescription drug services when concerns were raised about HB 3538. Their voices helped preserve healthcare options that many Oklahomans depend upon every day. That outcome serves as an important reminder that public policy works best when lawmakers listen to the people most affected by it.
At the same time, we continue to see proposals that could increase healthcare costs, create barriers to care, or shift additional financial burdens onto families already struggling with rising costs. Whether the issue is prescription drugs, dental care, insurance premiums, or healthcare mandates, the guiding question should always be simple: Will this make healthcare more affordable, more accessible, and better for Oklahoma patients?
As Governor, I will work to ensure that healthcare policy is driven by patients—not politics, special interests, or ideology. I support greater transparency so lawmakers and the public understand the true costs and consequences of healthcare legislation before it becomes law. Oklahomans deserve honest information and thoughtful policymaking that puts people first.
My vision is clear:
• Protect access to prescription medications, especially for veterans, seniors, and rural residents.
• Expand access to affordable healthcare services in every community.
• Increase transparency and accountability in healthcare policymaking.
• Reduce unnecessary barriers that prevent people from receiving timely care.
• Strengthen consumer protections so families are not burdened with unexpected healthcare costs.
• Ensure that healthcare decisions prioritize patients and providers rather than special interests.
For too many families, healthcare costs continue to determine whether they can fill a prescription, see a doctor, or receive needed treatment. That is unacceptable in a state as resourceful and compassionate as Oklahoma.
Because These Fights Are Not Over, I will continue fighting for a healthcare system that works for everyone—not just those who can afford it. Every Oklahoman deserves access to quality, affordable healthcare, regardless of their ZIP code, income, age, or background.
Together, we can build an Oklahoma where healthcare is accessible, affordable, and focused on improving lives—not increasing obstacles.
A huge thanks to advocates and groups like Oklahoma Families for Affordable Healthcare for your work on behalf of all Oklahomans.