10/14/2026
The Oklahoma Democratic Disability Federation believes that when elected Dr Kelly Forbes will be ready on day one to listen, learn, and lead to support and serve all Oklahomans.
Message from Dr Kelly Forbes:
Being new to a statewide ballot is not the same as being new to responsibility. Yesterday on KOCO, my opponent emphasized experience, being ready on day one, and having signed the front of a check to be “qualified” for Lt. Governor.
Let’s talk about that experience. I’m a small-business owner. I’ve led large teams. As an executive district leader, I helped manage hundreds of millions of dollars in public resources. As a principal facing budget pressure, I was asked to eliminate positions at my school. This is because my opponent, as Speaker of the Oklahoma State House, made the decision to cut taxes for the State’s highest earners. Those decisions had direct consequences into schools like mine creating a budget shortfall. Those proposed eliminated positions were people doing work our students depended on. People with families, bills, and responsibilities of their own.
I worked with our school foundation, community partners, and public and private organizations to help protect those jobs and continue serving our students. That required more than caring. It required understanding the resources available, building partnerships, and doing the work with other people. That’s experience, too.
I know first hand the consequences of my opponents decision-making as an elected official. When someone says they want a leader with experience, I agree; however, I also want a leader who understands what the decisions mean and those impacted. Who still has a job? Did we protect the public’s investment? Did we solve the problem or move it onto someone else?
My position is clear: responsible leadership requires both sound management and an understanding of the people affected.
When hired as the next Lieutenant Governor, I’ll bring that experience and sound leadership to the boards and commissions where this office has a seat. I’ll ask hard questions about costs, risks, returns, and consequences. I’ll work with people who bring different expertise, and I’ll be prepared to explain my decisions to you.
My experience was built in classrooms, schools, district leadership, the arts, and a small business, and I’m ready to put my experience, and my work, all in for Oklahoma.
I believe our best days are ahead and I am laser focused on Oklahoma.
I love you, Oklahoma. All of you.
Please consider supporting this candidate with your time and talent. You can learn more at https://forbesforoklahoma.com/
