State Rep. Todd Russ announces campaign for State Treasurer

Todd Russ Announces 2022 Campaign for State Treasurer

(June 29th) State Representative Todd Russ announced today that he will seek the Republican nomination for State Treasurer next year. Russ is completing his sixth term in the Oklahoma House of Representatives. State Treasurer Randy McDaniel announced earlier this month he would not seek reelection.

“I am grateful for the leadership opportunities I have been given and the accomplishments during my time in the legislature.I believe my extensive background in banking and business, along with my understanding of the inner workings of state government, make me uniquely qualified to serve as Treasurer,” Russ said.

“It would be my honor to continue to serve the citizens of Oklahoma as their next State Treasurer. I hold the same conservative values as the vast majority of Oklahomans. I know the value of hard work and the importance of standing for Godly values and honest, ethical leadership,” Russ added.

Russ has more than 35 years of banking experience. He served as President and CEO of Washita State Bank in Burns Flat from 2003-2008. During his tenure, Russ took one of the smallest banks in the state and doubled its assets, and was rated the number one bank in Oklahoma for ORE (return on equity) for six straight quarters in his peer group. Russ sold the majority of his bank stock and began management consulting with banks and businesses in 2008.

Russ developed a reputation and track record of successfully guiding banks to resolve problem loans and other bank management needs. In addition, Russ has worked with Oklahoma banks, corporations, and small businesses to address performance, profitability, and compliance issues.

During his banking career, Russ served as a director of the Oklahoma Bankers Association and Chairman of the OBA Small Bank Council.

Russ began in banking as a banking assistant at the State Bank of Rocky in 1983. He was later employed at Washita State Bank in Burns Flat and became Vice President. Russ served as vice-president and executive vice-president at banks in Chickasha and Oklahoma City until returning to Washita State Bank.

Russ, who lives in Cordell, has represented House District 55, which covers parts of five western Oklahoma counties (Beckham, Greer, Kiowa, Roger Mills, and Washita)since 2009. Since that time, he has proven to be an effective leader in the Republican-led State House of Representatives. Russ is Chairman of the Transportation A&B committee. He also serves on several other major committees: House Appropriations and Budget, Common Education, and  Insurance.

Russ is a fourth-generation resident of Western Oklahoma. He graduated from Sentinel High School in 1979 where he was active in Future Farmers of America, receiving the State Farmer degree his senior year. Russ worked as a welder to help fund his college education. He then attended Southwestern Oklahoma State University, obtaining a bachelor’s degree in Finance. Russ is also a graduate of the University of Colorado Graduate School of Banking. He has specialized training in Asset/Liability Management and Interest Rate Risk Analysis.

Russ was the founder of the Burns Flat-Dill City Educational Foundation. He was a charter member of the Oklahoma Southwest Economic Alliance. Russ also served as a member of the Cordell City Council and on the advisory board for the Western Technology Center for Business. He is a member of Leadership Oklahoma and the NRA.

Russ, 60, was named the 2019 Legislator of the Year by the Oklahoma Childcare Association. Russ has a 100% pro-life voting record, a 100% Farm Bureau voting record, and in 2020 was endorsed by the NRA. 

Russ and his wife, Khristy, have been married for 37 years and are members of New Beginnings Assembly of God, Cordell. Khristy is a 20-year veteran public school teacher. She currently owns and operates Atlas Title and Closing. They have three grown children: Ryan and wife Madison and their two sons, Rhettson and Raider Mack; Lacey and husband Jason Randall and their daughter London Kelley; and youngest daughter, Lauren and her husband Travis Collier.