Republican lawmaker elected to lead Oklahoma labor department
Nov 03, 2026 | 10:04 pm ET
Description
Oklahoma Labor Commissioner candidate Kevin West celebrates as he walks on stage during the GOP Election Night Watch Party, Tuesday, Nov. 3, 2026, at Skirvin Hotel in Oklahoma City. (Photo by Kyle Phillips/For Oklahoma Voice)
OKLAHOMA CITY — Republican state lawmaker Kevin West will be Oklahoma’s next labor commissioner.
West bested Democrat Kevin Dawson and Libertarian Mike Hall during Tuesday’s election.
West said he’s ready to begin.
“We’re ready to hit the ground running and make the labor commissioner position a great position once again,” he said.
West will be sworn in Jan. 11 for a four-year term, succeeding Leslie Osborn who couldn’t run for reelection due to term limits.
A state lawmaker from Moore, West served in the Oklahoma House for a decade. He’s also worked in commercial cabinetry for 40 years.
West, 58, has said he wants to review the Department of Labor’s administrative rules and regulations to make sure they’re up-to-date.
Oklahoma City, OK
