Boles, Eastman to Compete for Oklahoma Commission Seat

Voters will decide the next state utility regulator in the November 3 general election.

Updated on Oct. 26, 2026 in Utilities

Bold flat-color editorial illustration of a lone oil pump jack silhouette on a vast prairie, representing Oklahoma utility regulation. — Republican Brad Boles and Democrat Rhonda Eastman are vying for a seat on the Oklahoma Corporation Commission in the November 3 general election. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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Should your utility commission prioritize residential rate affordability over industrial expansion projects?

Republican Brad Boles and Democrat Rhonda Eastman are facing off for a seat on the Oklahoma Corporation Commission on November 3, 2026. The election follows the departure of term-limited Commissioner Todd Hiett.

Why it matters

The Oklahoma Corporation Commission holds significant authority over state utility providers and the oil and gas industry. The new member will influence regulatory decisions impacting energy pricing and infrastructure oversight.

Brad Boles raised more than $500,000 for his campaign as of August 2026, while Rhonda Eastman raised approximately $28,000. These figures represent the total declared fundraising totals reported by the respective campaigns.

The players

Brad Boles

He is a Republican member of the Oklahoma Legislature who previously served as chairman of the House Energy and Natural Resources Committee.

Rhonda Eastman

She is a Democrat and a former adjudicator for the Oklahoma Employment Security Commission.

Todd Hiett

He is a term-limited commissioner whose departure from the Oklahoma Corporation Commission necessitated this election.

The details

The commission is responsible for overseeing the oil and gas industry and utility companies across Oklahoma. Legislator Brad Boles, who chaired the House Energy and Natural Resources Committee, and former adjudicator Rhonda Eastman are competing to fill the vacancy.

Senate Bill 998 was passed by state lawmakers in 2025.
The campaign runoff election took place in August 2026.
Early voting is scheduled from October 28 through October 30 from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Early voting concludes on October 31 with hours from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m.
The general election is held on November 3, 2026.

Market Landscape

The election occurs as the Oklahoma Corporation Commission navigates complex oversight of energy infrastructure and industrial utility expansion. This regulatory body remains central to the state's efforts to balance industrial growth with utility consumer protections.

The outcome of this election will directly affect utility regulatory oversight and potential future rate changes for residents. Voters will select the official responsible for balancing industrial development against household utility costs.

The takeaway

Voters should review the regulatory track records of both candidates to understand how each might approach future utility oversight. Participation in early voting or general election day remains the most direct way to influence the commission's direction.