State Rep. George Faught set out an aggressive agenda should he win the Republican nomination in the 2nd Congressional District contest and go on to win the November election.

Topping his list, the Muskogee Republican said he would “defund and repeal” federal health care reforms. Faught also said he would cut government spending to balance the budget and repeal job-killing regulations.

“Our economy is struggling, and businesses are afraid to expand and create new jobs because of burdensome governmental regulations and mandates,” Faught said. “Citizens are unsure about the future and struggling to make ends meet.”

Faught is one of six Republicans vying for the post being vacated by U.S. Rep. Dan Boren. GOP candidates flocked to the race after Boren, a Muskogee Democrat, announced a year ago he would not seek a fifth term.

To achieve his legislative agenda, Faught said he would advocate for a balanced budge amendment and fight to cut inefficient federal programs and agencies. Faught also cited a need to curb “harmful regulations” he said he believes cripple economic growth.

Faught cited his experience as a small-business owner and state lawmaker as the qualities that set him apart from his opponents. He also touted his ability to win three elections as a Republican in a district where 70 percent of the voters are registered Democrats.

“I believe that my experience as a small businessman and as a state legislator has prepared me to start work immediately without a learning curve,” Faught said. “I am the only candidate with the experience of sunsetting government agencies and creating accountability for government rule making and regulations that affect business activity.”

Faught, who has picked up endorsements from a number of conservative organizations and individuals, faces five other Republicans in the June 26 primary election. Among his opponents are Westville businessman Markwayne Mullin, former state Rep. Wayne Pettigrew of McAlester, Tishomingo lawyer and former mayor Dustin Rowe, Muskogee pastor Dwayne Thompson and U.S. Marine Corps veteran Dakota Wood of Claremore. With a field of six candidates, the GOP nominee likely will be selected in a runoff election Aug. 28.

Federal Election Commission records show Faught’s campaign has raised $376,360 through June 6. More than 88 percent, or $333,162, was contributed by 281 individual donors. Another $10,698 came from Faught’s pockets.

Faught’s campaign has accepted more money from political action committees than any of the GOP candidates. FEC reports show committees representing the health care, banking and a rural electric cooperative have contributed $32,500 to Faught’s campaign.

Faught has reported total expenditures totaling $266,122. As of June 6, his campaign reported having $110,238 on hand and debts of $5,000. Faught’s campaign noted the pre-primary FEC filings show the candidate is “well-positioned” in advance of next week’s primary.

The eventual Republican nominee will face one of three Democrats jockeying for that party’s nomination and an independent in the general election Nov. 6. The Democrats include Earl E. Everett of Fort Gibson, Muskogee businessman Wayne Herriman and former state and federal prosecutor Rob Wallace of Fort Gibson. Michael G. Fulks of Heavener is running as an independent.

Reach D.E. Smoot at (918) 684-2901 or dsmoot@muskogeephoenix.com.

Meet George Faught



OFFICE SOUGHT: Republican nomination to the 2nd Congressional District.

AGE: 49.

HOMETOWN: Muskogee

FAMILY: Wife, Becky, and three children, Tyler, 27, Jamison, 22, and Savannah, 19.

OCCUPATION: Business owner, Clean Pro.

EDUCATION: Graduate of Muskogee High School, 1980, graduate of Bryan Institute, 1987.

RELIGIOUS AFFILIATION: Evangelical Christian.

HOBBIES: Spending time with family, traveling, grilling/cooking, playing volleyball.

Key dates

• June 20 — Last day to request absentee ballot for primary election.

• June 22 — Early voting, 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.

• June 23 — Early voting, 8 a.m. to 1 p.m.

• June 25 — Early voting,  8 a.m. to 6 p.m.

• June 26 — Primary election.

• Aug. 28 — Runoff primary election.

• Nov. 6 — General election