Experience vs. Change: Why Influence and Tenure Matter in Local Representation

The recent District 13 Oklahoma Senate race between Greg McCortney and Jonathan Wingard highlights the delicate balance between the need for change and the value of experience. Far too often, we focus on national headlines and overlook what’s happening in our own backyards. Yet local elections, like this one, demonstrate how a single vote can profoundly influence a community’s ability to secure resources, protect its institutions, and advance critical policies. This race underscores why understanding the experience and influence of candidates is essential to making informed decisions at the ballot box.

A Changing of the Guard in the State Senate

In the last election, Greg McCortney, a tenured and highly influential state senator, lost his seat to political newcomer Jonathan Wingard. McCortney had spent nearly a decade in the Oklahoma Senate, rising to a position of significant influence as Senate Majority Floor Leader. During his tenure, he played a key role in shaping healthcare policies and championed rural economic initiatives, earning a reputation for bipartisan collaboration and effective governance. He was even poised to become the next President Pro Tempore of the Oklahoma Senate—one of the most powerful positions in state government (KOCO). This loss was not just about one man’s career; it represents a shift in how resources, relationships, and priorities are managed for his district. While Wingard may eventually grow into a capable representative, the short-term impact on the district could be profound.

• The Value of Experience: McCortney’s years in the Senate allowed him to build a robust network of colleagues, gain an intimate understanding of legislative processes, and advocate effectively for his district. He could walk into a room and command attention because of his proven track record and relationships. These qualities don’t develop overnight and are difficult for any newcomer to replicate quickly.
• What It Means for the District: Wingard now has the monumental task of building his own network, learning the ins and outs of the legislative process, and establishing credibility among his peers. For instance, he might struggle initially to gain support for district-specific funding bills without established relationships, or face challenges navigating complex committee procedures. Additionally, understanding how to effectively negotiate and advocate within the legislative framework could take time, potentially delaying critical initiatives for his constituency. Until he does, the district’s ability to secure resources, protect institutions, and influence statewide decisions may be diminished. For example, McCortney’s seniority likely made him one of the first legislators approached for input on critical bills—a position Wingard will need years to achieve.

McCortney’s defeat highlights the delicate balance between bringing in fresh perspectives and preserving the hard-earned influence that comes with tenure. Wingard secured 52% of the vote to McCortney’s 48%, demonstrating a close race where voter concerns about change and continuity were clearly at play (Newsweek).

A Comparison of Committee Assignments

One key difference between McCortney and Wingard lies in their committee assignments, which reflect their roles and influence within the Oklahoma Senate. During his tenure, McCortney served as Senate Majority Floor Leader, a role that made him an ex officio member of all Senate committees. Additionally, he chaired the Senate Rules Committee and previously led the Health and Human Services Committee (oksenate.gov). These positions afforded him significant sway over legislative priorities and a deep involvement in shaping key policies.

In contrast, as a freshman senator, Wingard has been appointed to the Agriculture and Wildlife Committee, Education Committee, Public Safety Committee, Veterans and Military Affairs Committee, and the Appropriations Subcommittee on Education (oksenate.gov). While these are important committees, they lack the leadership roles and broader influence McCortney wielded. Wingard’s assignments are reflective of his newcomer status and will require time and effort to build the networks and expertise necessary to effectively advocate for his district.

This shift in committee assignments underscores the challenges faced by District 13. The transition from a seasoned legislator to a political newcomer may lead to a temporary reduction in the district’s legislative influence and its ability to secure critical resources.

Why Being Informed Matters

Being an informed voter is critical to making the best choice at the polls. To achieve this, you must look deeper than slogans or political ads. Here’s what that entails:

• Know Their Record: For incumbents like McCortney, don’t just judge them based on a few months of campaign season. Look at their long-term voting record, committee leadership, and whether they’ve delivered on past promises.
• Understand the Short-Term Costs of Change: Replacing an experienced representative with a newcomer might feel like a step toward fresh ideas, but it’s important to consider what the district loses in terms of influence and advocacy. Even the most promising newcomer will need time to gain their footing and achieve what a seasoned legislator can accomplish with ease.
• Policy vs. Personality: Distinguish between legitimate policy disagreements and personal grievances. It’s easy to vote someone out because of a single disagreement or annoyance, but ask whether that outweighs the benefits of their experience and connections.

Local Representation & Its Impact

We’ve all heard about how “all politics is local,” and it’s never more evident than when power changes hands. In rural or smaller communities like Ada, Oklahoma, or anywhere in Pontotoc County, that’s especially true. Consider:

• Loss of Seniority: McCortney’s position in the Senate’s leadership meant he had significant sway in advancing legislation and securing resources for his district. Losing a leader of this caliber means the district is now represented by one of the least experienced voices in the chamber. This shift could impact everything from infrastructure projects to funding for local institutions.
• Economic and Institutional Vulnerability: For example, Pontotoc County’s ability to retain critical facilities, like the CLEET training center, depends heavily on strong advocacy at the state level. Without McCortney’s seniority and influence, these battles become much harder to win. Wingard will have to navigate a steep learning curve to protect and advance the district’s interests.
• Competition for Resources: When state funding decisions are made, experienced legislators often have the upper hand in ensuring their districts are prioritized. In a state where population centers like Tulsa and Oklahoma City dominate the conversation, rural districts like Pontotoc County need every advantage they can get. McCortney’s experience gave the district a seat at the table that may now be harder to secure.

When Change Can Be a Good Thing

While experience and influence are critical, there are situations where change is not only necessary but beneficial. This contrasts with the stability and results that experienced representatives can bring, showing the complexity of deciding between continuity and fresh leadership. Fresh perspectives can bring new energy, innovative ideas, and a willingness to challenge entrenched norms that may no longer serve the community well. In this case, Jonathan Wingard’s election represents an opportunity for District 13 to explore new approaches to longstanding challenges.

• Opportunity for Growth: Wingard, as a political newcomer, has the potential to grow into a strong and capable representative. His campaign demonstrated an ability to connect with voters who were seeking change, and this connection may help him advocate effectively for the district as he builds his expertise.
• A New Perspective: Fresh leadership can often address issues that long-serving incumbents might overlook or deprioritize. Wingard’s new role offers the chance to approach policy decisions from a different angle, potentially uncovering opportunities that were previously unexplored.
• Reinvigorating Engagement: Change in leadership can also spark renewed community engagement, as residents rally around new initiatives or hold their representatives accountable in ways that encourage transparency and innovation.

Ultimately, while the transition from an experienced legislator like McCortney to a newcomer like Wingard presents challenges, it also creates space for growth, innovation, and a reinvigorated sense of purpose in local governance.

Examples of Newcomers in Oklahoma Politics

The 2024 elections in Oklahoma saw several political newcomers unseat incumbents, reflecting a dynamic political environment. These shifts highlight voters' willingness to embrace new leadership to address evolving community needs. Here are some notable examples:

• State Senate District 3: Julie McIntosh defeated incumbent Senator Blake Stephens in the Republican primary. McIntosh, a physician, emphasized healthcare and education in her campaign, appealing to voters seeking change.
• State Senate District 37: Aaron Reinhardt unseated incumbent Senator Cody Rogers. Reinhardt focused on fiscal responsibility and government transparency, resonating with constituents.
• State Senate District 43: Kendal Sacchieri defeated Senator Jessica Garvin. Sacchieri, a business owner, campaigned on economic development and community engagement.
• House District 32: Jim Shaw unseated Representative Kevin Wallace, running on a platform of education reform and rural infrastructure improvements.
• House District 33: Molly Jenkins defeated Representative John Talley by focusing on healthcare access and educational opportunities.
• House District 98: Gabe Woolley unseated Representative Dean Davis, emphasizing public safety and economic growth.

These outcomes show that while experience often holds value, there is significant public interest in fresh perspectives and new approaches to governance. Voters in Oklahoma are demonstrating a readiness to balance the strengths of institutional knowledge with the possibilities that new leadership can bring.

Concluding Thoughts

This discussion underscores the critical role local politics play in shaping the day-to-day lives of citizens. Beyond party affiliations and campaign platforms, the real focus must be on achieving meaningful results for the community. For instance, meaningful results could include securing state funding for improved local infrastructure, enhancing public school programs, or ensuring access to affordable healthcare facilities—tangible outcomes that directly benefit residents and elevate the quality of life in the district. Representation is about more than promises—it’s about delivering tangible benefits that improve the quality of life for everyone in the district.

The recent Oklahoma Senate race between Greg McCortney and Jonathan Wingard, and other races listed above, illustrates the complexities of balancing experience with the desire for change. While new voices bring energy and innovation, the value of established relationships and institutional knowledge cannot be overlooked. Local voters must weigh these factors carefully, considering both the short-term and long-term implications of their choices.

At its heart, governance is about collaboration, accountability, and impact. Whether it’s securing funding for schools, maintaining infrastructure, or ensuring economic opportunities, local leaders must prioritize outcomes over ideology. As this race shows, an informed and engaged electorate is essential to making choices that truly serve the community.

Our system democracy might not be perfect, but it thrives when everyday people get involved and stay informed. We must keep these conversations going—and make sure we don’t take for granted the power we have in shaping our local communities.

Got questions or comments or want to read more? Check me out at The Layton Lens. I’d love to chat. And if you’d like to hear and see a couple of nerds talking about this issue and more check out the companion video on YouTube.