Steve Sanford
Independent | Oklahoma
Candidate Profile
Leans Conservative
BIOGRAPHY
Name
Steve Sanford
Party
Independent
Election Year
2025
Election
Special General SD8, Special Primary Runoff HD71 & HD74
Race
State Senate, District 8
Incumbent
No
Links
EDUCATION
Henryetta High School, Henryetta, Diploma, 1984
WORK & MILITARY
Climate Control Institute, Certificate of Completion, 1988-1989
Tri State Semi Driver Training, Certificate of Completion, 1989
AFFILIATIONS
N.P.R.C. Nichols Park Restoration Committee - 501 c3, Board Member
POLITICAL OFFICES HELD
Henryetta City Council , Vice Mayor Ward 1, halfway through first term - 2023 - 2027
POLITICAL OFFICES SOUGHT
Oklahoma State Senate District 8, 2025-2026
Race
ENDORSEMENTS
REPORTED BY CANDIDATE (1)
Henryetta FireFighters Local 2788
OTHER INFORMATION
Steve Sanford completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey in 2025.
Steve Sanford signed the U.S. Term Limits pledge.
QUESTIONNAIRE
RIGHT TO LIFE
Under what circumstances should an elective abortion be allowed?
this is a very complicated topic.I understand there are Medical emergencies where abortion is needed to save the Mother's life. My wife was a labor and delivery nurse for fifteen years and she explained to me that there are other instances where the pregnancy isn't viable, in these cases abortion should be allowed. i think we should have a discussion with the residents of our districts to make sure we are representing our constituents wishes.
Chemical abortion drugs should meet essential safety standards (such as in-person consultation with a medical doctor) and require reporting to gather evidence on reactions and outcomes.
Strongly Agree
Abortion providers, including Planned Parenthood, should not receive taxpayer funds from federal, state, or local governments (including Title X grants).
Strongly Agree
Many Americans , some because of religious beliefs and some that are Pro Life do not agree with abortion i don't think it right to fund abortion with their money.
I support 'aid in dying' laws which legalize assisted suicide and euthanasia.
Disagree
ECONOMY
Free enterprise and the right to private property are essential elements of a productive economic system.
Strongly Agree
What is your position on the minimum wage?
I think if adjusted the area needs to be considered.raising the minimum too high would be detrimental to small business. we need to do more to bring middle class better paying jobs back to Oklahoma and our Country.
Should environmental and social issues, like ESG (environmental, social, and governance) ratings, be used as criteria in deciding where to invest public monies?
No
RELIGIOUS LIBERTY
Under what circumstances can government close churches?
under no circumstances!
Individuals and businesses should be required to provide services even if it would violate their moral and/or religious beliefs.
Strongly Disagree
HEALTHCARE
What most closely matches your view on healthcare: A) Healthcare for all should be guaranteed and funded by the government with no private healthcare option. (includes "universal healthcare," "medicare for all," etc.) B) Healthcare insurance funded by the government should be available for all who want it, along with private healthcare options. C) Medicaid and Medicare should remain available, but no other taxpayer-funded programs are necessary. D) Taxpayer funded health care should be abolished in all forms, and Medicaid and Medicare should be defunded.
C Medicaid and Medicare should remain available, but no other taxpayer-funded programs are necessary,This answer was close but i think we need to take a good look into health care. something should also be done about Dental Care.coverage is lacking and our Teeth are so important to our health and morale.
Under what circumstances (if any) should a government, school, or employer be allowed to require vaccinations?
none
NATIONAL SECURITY
The Chinese Communist Party poses serious military, cyber security, intellectual property, and global economic threats to the United States.
Agree
Is the United States' relationship with Israel important, and if so why?
The relationship between the U.S. and our Ally Israel is important to help maintain regional security in the area.
IMMIGRATION
The U.S. should do more to physically secure the southern border.
Strongly Agree
it is imperative we secure our borders for the safety of our Citizens! we should welcome all that want to come to the United States Legally to have a chance at the American Dream .
EDUCATION
The state should fund education by allowing dollars to follow the child through programs which protect parents' freedom to choose their child's school – public, private, or homeschool.
Agree
VALUES
Children are the most vulnerable members of society and must be protected from abuse, including gender ideology, grooming, and bodily mutilation.
Strongly Agree
Parents should have the right to make decisions for their minor children.
Strongly Agree
Taxpayer funds should be used to provide gender transition services.
Strongly Disagree
Marriage is a God-ordained, sacred and legal union of one man and one woman. No government has the authority to alter this definition.
Agree
Briefly describe your spiritual beliefs and values.
I was raised in the First Church of the Nazarene. i'm a believer and im a sinner.I try my best to do right by the Lord, My family, friends and community. Honor, Respect,Integrity and Loyalty. these words have meaning to me. i believe in doing the right thing because it's the right thing to do. i was raised with a strong work ethic and taught your only as good as your word so don't break it! Work hard and help when you can.
ELECTIONS AND VOTING
People should be able to vote without photo identification.
Strongly Disagree
States should join the National Popular Vote Interstate Compact which makes the Electoral College irrelevant.
Strongly Disagree
EQUALITY
Is racism a threat to domestic security in the United States? Why or why not?
i don't think so, we have seen racially motivated assault or attacks in the U.S. but i don't think it is a threat to Domestic Security.
I agree with Critical Race Theory (CRT) which asserts that the institutions in the United States are fundamentally racist.
Agree
Biological males should not be allowed to participate in women's sports or occupy biological women's spaces whether it be bathrooms, locker rooms, sorority houses, women's shelters, or prison.
Strongly Agree
ENERGY & ENVIRONMENT
Which comes closest to your view? (Select all that apply) A) Stricter environmental laws and regulations cost too many jobs and hurt the economy. B) Stricter environmental laws and regulations are worth the cost. C) Stricter environmental laws undermine U.S. energy independence and deter development of reliable electricity sources. D) Climate change is real and requires urgent policy action.
C Stricter environmental laws undermine U.S. energy independence and deter development of reliable electricity sources.
What do you believe is the most reliable energy source that will supply the growing demand for electricity?
oil and Gas
ABOUT YOU
Have you ever been penalized for sexual misconduct in either civil or criminal court? If so, please explain.
No
Have you ever been convicted of a felony? If so, please explain.
No
What do you think is the general purpose of government?
to maintain peace and order , protect our Citizens rights and Defend our Country
When you consider your views on a wide range of issues from economic and social matters to foreign policy and religious liberty, which of the following best describes you overall?
Conservative
CRIMINAL JUSTICE & PUBLIC SAFETY
I support redirecting funds from police departments to community programs.
Strongly Disagree
2ND AMENDMENT
What restrictions on gun ownership are needed to protect public safety?
none
Should teachers be allowed to carry guns at school?
Yes
Yes, if they have been certified to carry
