PLATFORM

“In my judgment, there is an increasing failure to approach issues in a policy fashion, which is not political, but in a policy fashion. Most issues don't have a significant Republican or Democratic, conservative, or liberal, progressive or libertarian, or whatever terms you want to apply. They are problem, solution. The extent to which we let politics drive policy is a shortcoming of the democratic legislative process. Let's strip all the politics and emotion out of things. Let's get the best solution we can, and then let's worry about the politics.”

COMMONSENSE LEGAL EXPERTISE OKLAHOMANS TRUST

Education

Michael J. Hunter’s educational background laid a firm foundation for his legal and political career. He graduated from Oklahoma State University in 1978 with a Bachelor of Arts in history. His academic journey continued at the University of Oklahoma College of Law, where he served as president of the student bar association.

Legal Experience

Mike Hunter has held prestigious positions both publicly and privately. He initially entered private practice after graduating from law school, where he specialized in energy, real estate, utilities, and public employment law. Private practice gave him a robust understanding of the legal challenges facing these critical sectors in Oklahoma.

His political career began in the Oklahoma House of Representatives, where he served from 1984 to 1990, holding key positions such as chairman of the Republican Caucus and vice chairman of the House Criminal Justice Committee.

Mike Hunter was then appointed as Oklahoma secretary of state first by Gov. Frank Keating from 1999 to 2002 and later by Gov. Mary Fallin in 2016. In these roles, Hunter also served as special counsel to the governor, advising on various legal and policy issues.

His tenure as Attorney General of Oklahoma, starting in 2017, allowed Mike Hunter to take vigorous legal actions against opioid manufacturers, combating the opioid crisis through more effective legal avenues. His leadership in lawsuits against Big Pharma led to substantial settlements, including a significant case against Purdue that caused a ripple effect of national change — saving countless lives in the process.

Managing the Opioid Epidemic

Mike Hunter has actively led efforts to combat the opioid crisis, leveraging his positions in government to implement significant changes and policies. During his tenure as attorney general of Oklahoma, he championed a proactive stance against the opioid epidemic, which has had a devastating impact on communities throughout the state and nation. He was instrumental in filing lawsuits against major pharmaceutical companies for their roles in the opioid crisis, which led to groundbreaking settlements that provided substantial funds for addiction treatment and prevention. After implementation, Oklahoma saw the largest 3-year decrease of overdose death rates at an 8.05% annual decline according to the National Center for Drug Abuse Statistics.

A pivotal moment in Hunter’s career was the lawsuit against Purdue Pharma, which was one of the first major legal actions taken by any state against opioid manufacturers. Under Mike Hunter’s guidance, Oklahoma pursued Purdue Pharma for its misleading marketing practices that significantly contributed to the opioid crisis. This landmark case resulted in a substantial settlement of $270 million, one of the largest of its kind at the time. The settlement funds were allocated to establish the Oklahoma State University Center for Wellness and Recovery, providing critical resources for addiction treatment and research.

Under his leadership, the Oklahoma Commission on Opioid Abuse, which he chaired, was established. This commission brought together experts from various fields to tackle the crisis using a multifaceted approach. The commission's efforts resulted in the implementation of critical policy recommendations, including enhancing access to naloxone. Recognizing the need for a robust response to overdoses, Hunter ensured that naloxone was widely available and accessible — not just to medical professionals, but also to first responders and the public, which has saved thousands of lives.

Mike Hunter's approach to treating addiction shifted the narrative away from treating it as a moral failing and treating it as an illness instead. This shift has fostered a more compassionate and supportive environment for those struggling with addiction, emphasizing recovery and rehabilitation over punishment. Hunter’s work in managing the opioid epidemic focused on immediate responses as well as on creating long-term strategies to prevent addiction and relapses, demonstrating his commitment to both healing and preventing future crises.

Bipartisan Leadership

Mike is a proud Republican and delegate to two Republican National Conventions. His approach to leadership is rooted in a belief in the fundamental principles of democracy and the rule of law, transcending partisan lines to serve the best interest of the state and the country. He's willing to collaborate across the aisle to address the nation's most urgent issues, fighting not for a political agenda but for the well-being of all Americans.

MIKE HUNTER

Platform

COMMONSENSE LEGAL EXPERTISE OKLAHOMANS TRUST

Education