Oklahomans heading to the polls on Nov. 3 will see a diverse slate of candidates for governor, including independent Robert Brooks, a former Republican from Pauls Valley who describes himself as the “Farmer’s Servant.” Brooks says his vision for state government is a “culmination of Jesus, George Washington, a whole lot of Abraham Lincoln, and Thomas Jefferson.”
Background and political experience
Brooks briefly served as the sheriff of Latimer County, a role that gave him firsthand exposure to law‑enforcement challenges in rural Oklahoma. Since then, he says he has advocated for reforms at both county and city levels, focusing on property‑tax relief and water‑resource issues.
Key issues and policy positions
During a KOCO 5 interview, Brooks emphasized his Christian faith, stating, “Christ taught us to love everybody, even our neighbors.” He argues that state resources should stay in Oklahoma rather than being sent abroad, specifically criticizing the proposed United Arab Emirates‑backed aluminum smelter in Inola. He proposes redirecting those funds to local infrastructure and community projects.
Brooks also addresses the growing role of artificial intelligence. He acknowledges AI’s usefulness for gathering voter sentiment but calls for legislation to manage its impact, saying, “We are going to have to legislate AI and manage it.” While he opposes the Inola smelter, he surprisingly supports the idea that AI could take certain jobs, believing it would encourage Oklahomans to build stronger, more community‑focused economies.
Position in the race
The gubernatorial field includes Republican Mike Mazzei, Democrat Cyndi Munson, and two other independents, Orlando Lynn Bush and Jerry Griffin. Brooks frames himself as the middle‑of‑the‑road alternative, stating, “You have a far‑right candidate whose platform is ‘Donald Trump endorsed me.’ You have a far‑left candidate, and then there’s the one person who stands with the people in the middle.” He appeals to the roughly 500,000 registered independents who, in his view, are waiting for a serious candidate with a concrete plan.
Campaign strategy and outreach
Brooks has leveraged social media heavily, posting numerous videos that outline his positions on immigration, tax relief, and government transparency. He also uses AI‑generated flyers to target specific voter concerns, though he stresses the need for regulation to prevent misuse.
When asked about his mysterious persona, Brooks replied, “He’s a bit of a mystery. I don’t know. Some say he’s … I don’t know. He’s the ‘Farmer’s Servant.’ That’s all I know.” This cryptic response underscores his outsider appeal to voters tired of traditional party politics.
What voters should know
Brooks promises to return government control to the working class, describing his platform as a peaceful retaking of power from what he calls the “uni‑party or the political class.” He urges Oklahomans to evaluate candidates based on their commitment to local values, faith, and practical solutions rather than partisan labels.
As the election approaches, independent candidates like Brooks will test whether Oklahoma voters are ready for a centrist alternative that blends faith‑based principles with historic American ideals.
Original reporting: Oklahoma City News Feed (HLL/CB) — read the source article.
