About Thad

Thad Balkman was first elected to the Oklahoma House of Representatives in 2000. The first Republican ever elected to represent House District 45, Thad quickly earned a reputation for getting things done in his freshman term in the Legislature.

A proponent of less government and family values, Thad led the effort during his first year in the House to repeal Oklahoma's mandatory vehicle inspection sticker program, saving Oklahoma families $4 a year and lots of hassles. Thad also was responsible for creating the Choose Life license plate whose sales proceeds help unborn babies, pregnant women and the counseling centers that serve them.

Thad serves as the Majority Caucus Chairman and the Chairman of the Appropriations and Budget Subcommittee on Health & Social Services for the 50th Legislature.

In September of 2005 Thad was recognized by the Americans for Tax Reform as a Friend of the Taxpayer for leading the charge against the gas tax increase, which was rejected by a vote of the people by a margin of 87% to 13%.

Thad Balkman was born October 23, 1971 in Long Beach, California. Although Thad was raised in Southern California, his ancestors were among some of the first settlers in Oklahoma, including his maternal great, great-grandfather who was in the Land Run of 1889 and settled near present day Perkins.

Thad is a devout member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He interrupted his college schooling to serve a two year, Spanish speaking mission in Cordoba Argentina and Rio Grande Valley, Texas. Thad graduated from Brigham Young University with a degree in Political Science.

In 1994, Thad and his wife Amy moved to Norman, where he has lived ever since. Thad attended the University of Oklahoma College of Law. While at Law School, Thad was active in the Student Bar Association, serving as the Second Year Class President. Thad is a licensed attorney with a private practice in Norman.

When Thad is not busy with work, he spends his time as a volunteer ecclesiastical leader in his local church. Thad has been a volunteer with the Boy Scouts of America, serving as the Programs Chair for the Sooner District.

Thad's favorite activities include spending time at home with his wife Amy and their children Adeline, Jackson, Miles, and Harrsion. Thad also enjoys reading nonfiction and watching Sooner sports.