Blake Cowboy Stephens
Republican | Oklahoma
Candidate Profile*
Conservative (Conditional)
*Additional information appears below for educational purposes; however, only data received prior to the candidate deadline was considered during Panel Evaluation.
BIOGRAPHY
Name
Blake Cowboy Stephens
Party
Republican
Election Year
2020
Election
Primary
Race
State Senator, Dist. 3
Incumbent
No
Links
EDUCATION
Northeastern State University, Tahlequah, M.Ed., 1995
Oklahoma State University, Stillwater, B.S. Agriculture Education, 1983
NEO A&M, Miami, Associates, 1981
WORK & MILITARY
Vocational Agriculture, Rancher/Farmer, 59
Scholars Inn Apartments, Maintenance, 3
AFFILIATIONS
Faith Chapel, Member, First Assembly of God
Deacon, Locust Grove Public School, School Counselor...23 years
POLITICAL OFFICES HELD
(Candidate did not provide)
POLITICAL OFFICES SOUGHT
Governor, 2018
Race
Previous Races
ENDORSEMENTS*
*These endorsements were received after the deadline and were not considered in the Panel Evaluations and are for additional educational purposes only.
CONSERVATIVE (2)
*National Rifle Association (NRA) PVF
Oklahoma 2nd Amendment Association OK2A
OTHER (1)
*Oklahoma Retired Educators Association
OTHER INFORMATION
QUESTIONNAIRE
RIGHT TO LIFE
Human life begins at conception and deserves legal protection at every stage until natural death.
Strongly Agree
Abortion providers, including Planned Parenthood, should not receive taxpayer funds or grants from federal, state, or local governments.
Strongly Agree
I support the Born Alive Abortion Survivors Protection Act, which requires health care providers to provide life-saving treatment for infants who survive an attempted abortion.
Strongly Agree
Under what circumstances should abortion be allowed?
Only when the woman's life is in danger, incest, or rape. I would want to offer counseling to those victims so they could understand their options and make an informed decision. I would provide for those services for an extended period of time going forward. I personally believe God has a perfect plan for everyone born into this world.
ECONOMY
It is the government’s responsibility to ensure everyone has a livable income.
Strongly Disagree
Free enterprise and the right to private property are essential elements of a productive economic system.
Strongly Agree
What government spending would you reduce in order to balance the budget?
This is something that would have to be addressed on a year to year basis. There are too many variables to answer in absolutes. I would look at the big picture before making any decisions. Common sense would prevail. For example, we are going through uncharted waters with the COVID-19 pandemic which has left many challenges in its wake. We are still reeling on the realm of possibilities and what if's concerning our economy in the future. Less government and cut wasteful spending are priorities.
RELIGIOUS LIBERTY
Governments should not discriminate against individuals, organizations or small businesses because of their belief that marriage is only a union of one man and one woman.
Strongly Agree
Governments should define marriage as between one man and one woman; no other definition of marriage should be legalized or supported with taxpayer or public funds.
Strongly Agree
Religious liberty is at risk in the United States and deserves the highest level of protection in the law.
Strongly Agree
I promise to protect the freedom of Christians to share the Gospel and to practice Biblical principles.
Yes
What does "separation of church and state" mean to you?
It means the government cannot infringe on my religious freedom.
HEALTHCARE
It is the government’s responsibility to ensure everyone has health insurance.
Strongly Disagree
How would you promote healthcare coverage that is adequate, affordable and accessible for all?
SoonerCare and Medicare are already provided. I would encourage employers to continue providing insurance coverage for their employees as a benefit. I would promote fair and affordable insurance for everyone else not covered by the above.
NATIONAL SECURITY
The best way to maintain peace is through a strong military.
Strongly Agree
IMMIGRATION
I am in favor of construction of a wall and other necessary infrastructure on our border that gives complete control over entering and exiting the United States.
Strongly Agree
State and federal funds should be denied to any public or private entity, including but not limited to sanctuary cities, that are not in compliance with immigration laws.
Strongly Agree
Who should be allowed to immigrate to the U.S. and under what circumstances?
I support the legal pathway to citizenship in its current form and would work with federal leaders if the opportunity arose. We need good borders and good border security provided by our federal government. There should be more common sense solutions to make sure the immigrants will be good citizens and not criminals and they would adhere to our laws.
EDUCATION
Taxpayer-funded public education should be guaranteed through college.
Strongly Disagree
VALUES
Judeo-Christian values established a framework of morality which is necessary for our system of limited government.
Strongly Agree
I support adding sexual orientation, gender identity and gender expression as protected classes in non-discrimination laws.
Strongly Disagree
Briefly describe your spiritual beliefs and values.
As a third generation rodeo cowboy, my ancestors built a great legacy for me both in faith and in character. "Work hard for everything you get and do it with honesty." I developed my decision making process based on what was right and the fact the Lord was watching. I was raised in church and have never known life without my Savior, Jesus Christ in it. Saved at the age of 6 I have grown to be a strong man of faith. Having a personal relationship with Him has taught me how to treat others and how to be a man of my word. I hold the scriptures near to my heart. I will be held accountable on the day of judgement to Him and I live everyday accordingly. I want to be remembered in this life as being a good, honest, christian man who loved others and served them to the best of his ability. I am a cowboy with a sense of humor and I would hope that they might chuckle when my name is mentioned and some funny memory might come to mind as well. I love the Lord and thank Him for all his blessings.
ABOUT YOU
When you consider your views on a wide range of issues from economic and social matters to foreign policy and immigration, which of the following best describes you overall?
Very Conservative
Please provide publicly available information validating your answer to the previous question.
I was the Cowboy that ran for Governor in 2018. The Lord called me into politics on 4-13-18 which happens to correspond with Philippians 4:13, "I can do all things through Christ that strengthens me"...my mother's favorite verse. The Lord gave me this verse,(a few hours after I wrestled with the notion of running for that office)through my mother. I am a passionate man and love life. Everything I do, I do with meaning. My christian walk is no different. I believe in serving the Lord with all my soul, heart and mind. I take His word to heart. Heaven and Earth will pass away but God's words will never pass away. It is absolute truth. I will legislate with this in mind. I covet everyone's prayers for strength and understanding to effectively lead and I am excited about serving God and His people here in Oklahoma as an acting Senator at the State Capitol.
What education or experience qualifies you to hold the office for which you seek election?
Every interest inventory I've ever taken points to the "helping" professions. I have a servant's heart. I have been a school counselor for the past 23 years at Locust Grove. Prior to that I worked for Cherokee Nation as a Residential Therapist. I began working off the farm at the age of 12 pushing a broom and washing dishes at a local hamburger shop. I worked high school summers for a local lumber company. Upon high school graduation I joined a custom crew that cut wheat all summer from Alva, OK to Cheyenne, WY and all points in between. I still help friends in Kansas on their wheat harvest every summer. I’ve worked for Walmart as an Assistant Store Manager and Liberty Glass as a Shipping Manager. I've also managed Scholars Inn Apartments as well as perform and oversee the maintenance. I worked construction putting myself through college. I’ve had many jobs throughout my life which allows me a unique opportunity to identify with people from all walks of life. I'm ready to serve.
Have you ever been convicted of a felony or been penalized for sexual misconduct? If so, please explain.
NO
Is there anything else you would like voters to know about you?
I have been happily married for 37 years. We have two grown, married children that's blessed us with two granddaughters. My wife(school librarian) and I live on our ranch at Moody where we own and operate a cow/calf operation. I've been a school counselor at LGPS for the past 23 years. I also cut/deliver wood for Billy Ray's BBQ in Tulsa & Broken Arrow for the past 25 years. I have built a reputation, not in politics, but in my character for the past 59 years. I was taught at an early age that a man is no better than his word. I take that principle to heart and live every day by it. I am a man of faith and am ready to represent you and your families. I will fight tooth and nail for your liberties at the State Capitol. I pride myself on being a communicator and excel in building relationships. I have enjoyed meeting people in all the communities across this district and look forward to being more involved in your community. It would be an honor to serve as your State Senator.
JUDICIAL PHILOSOPHY
I support the use of Sharia law as a basis for legislation and judicial decisions in the United States.
Strongly Disagree
CRIMINAL JUSTICE & PUBLIC SAFETY
Mandatory minimum sentencing should be required and enforced for violent crimes.
Strongly Agree
2ND AMENDMENT
Should teachers be allowed to carry guns at school?
Yes
What restrictions on gun ownership are needed to protect public safety?
No more restrictions are necessary. Guns don't kill people, people kill people.
OTHER IMPORTANT ISSUES
People should be able to vote without photo identification.
Strongly Agree
I support the legalization of recreational marijuana.
Strongly Disagree
The Electoral College should be abolished.
Strongly Disagree
In priority order, what three areas of legislation do you propose to author or sponsor if elected?
I support our liberties which should include our God given right to life. I have devoted my life to helping others. I have worked diligently with families providing counseling/consultation for the past 24 years. I have been an advocate and a voice for my students. I don't take that responsibility lightly. I will be a voice for the unborn as well. Education has finally become a priority in our state. I will continue working on pro-education legislation. When you value education in Oklahoma, you will fix a lot of other areas such as incarceration rates, prison overcrowding, & economic development. I have an extensive background in agriculture. Raised on a farm/ranch I spent 4 years in FFA where I served as Chapter President. After graduation from OSU I became an Ag Teacher. Oklahoma agriculture is our lifeblood. Our civil service men and women put their lives on the line daily. We must address their needs and take better care of them. I support the rural medical community.
Is racism a threat to domestic security in the United States? Why or why not?
Racism is real. The root of it begins in the heart. The only way it can effectively be dealt with is by admitting it is real and then educating ourselves on how and why it should be changed. We should care for one another and love one another with the same love Christ loves us. True change begins in hearts of men. Acts 17:26 teaches us that God made all nations from one man and that they should inhabit the whole earth. Therefore, all men are created equal not superior. The hope would be that all mankind would come to this conclusion.
