State Rep. Dills joins other legislators not seeking reelection

Over the past decade or more, politicians and bureacrats at the State Capitol have periodically griped about legislative term limits, as though term limits are decimating "institutional knowledge" and effectiveness in the Legislature. Ironically enough, though, members now rarely stick around for their full 12-year maximum service, either by personal choice or by electoral defeat.

Case in point, this is at least the fourth legislator this week who is not seeking reelection (Sen. Leewright, Rep. Bell, Sen. Taylor).

Dills Announces She Will Not Seek Reelection

OKLAHOMA CITY – Rep. Sheila Dills, R-Tulsa, today announced she will not seek reelection for House District 69.

"It has been the honor of a lifetime to represent my district and to advance policy that has improved the state of Oklahoma," Dills said. "But I have decided it is best that I not seek reelection to the State House at this time. I'm excited about what the future holds as I'm leaving all options on the table. One thing is for certain, I will continue to invest my time and resources in my local community."

Dills was first elected to the Oklahoma House of Representatives in 2018 and immediately was selected to serve in House leadership. During the 57th Legislature, she served as assistant majority floor leader. She was then elected by her fellow legislators to serve as Majority Caucus Chair for the Republican Party for the 58th Legislature in 2021-22.

Dills also serves as vice chair of the House General Government Committee and served as chair of the State and Federal Redistricting Subcommittee for Tulsa County. She also serves on the following committees: Appropriations & Budget, A&B Subcommittee for Education, County & Municipal Government, Joint Committee on A&B, State & Federal Redistricting, and Utilities. She previously served on the Common Education, Health Services & Long-Term Care, and Tourism committees and was a member of the A&B Subcommittee for Human Services.

In her time in the Legislature, Dills championed multiple issues including much-needed charter school reform. Her legislation increased transparency of the spending of public taxpayer dollars and ensured money intended for students goes to students. She also championed issues that support veterans, children, seniors and other groups. In addition, she ran legislation to further economic development in the state.                     

"I am so grateful I was given this opportunity to represent my constituents," Dills said. "I will continue working to make Oklahoma a Top 10 state from my local community."

Sheila Dills, a Republican, serves District 69 in the Oklahoma House of Representatives. Her district includes Jenks, South Tulsa and Bixby in Tulsa County.