Originally elected to public office in 2002, Jim Roth became the first openly LGBT elected official in Oklahoma history when he won a seat on the Oklahoma County Commission.  Due to his tremendous leadership and integrity, the voters renewed their contract with Roth in 2006 with 63% of the vote. On May 14, 2007, Gov. Brad Henry appointed Roth to a position on the Oklahoma Corporation Commission to fill out the term vacated by Denise Bode.  After his appointment, the Daily Oklahoman stated in an editorial, “Oklahoma County's loss is Oklahoma's gain with the selection of Jim Roth to succeed Denise Bode on the state Corporation Commission.”

Jim Roth has continued to put the people first in each of his elected offices.  In early December of 2007, Roth coordinated the first ever Oklahoma Energy Summit. The Daily Oklahoman, a historically conservative paper, praised Roth’s leadership in an editorial titled, “Ahead of the Curve: State’s newest commissioner arrives ready for the job.”  Such public support for Roth’s leadership is the main reason he is considered a rising star in Oklahoma politics.

While his opponents will fight to drive turnout during a hotly contested presidential election, Roth will use a grassroots approach –leaving no county behind – to ensure a victory in November.  Two-thirds of the state’s population resides in the cities of Tulsa and Oklahoma City.  While neither of these cities are considered progressive bastions, Roth will be sure to turnout a strong base of support from each of these urban areas. 

Roth will need to out-raise his opponents significantly to be sure that the entire state hears his message and recognizes what opinion leaders throughout the state already know, that Roth is the best choice for the Oklahoma Corporation Commission.  It is imperative that we stand with one of the strongest leaders from the LGBT community and support this historic statewide election.