The Okmulgee County Republican Party held its monthly meeting at the American Legion Post 10, where a crowd gathered to hear State Auditor Cindy Byrd now running for lieutenant governor – and Deputy State Auditor Melissa Capps, who is running to succeed her. Though attendance was modest, the discussion was substantial, with both women offering candid insight into how Oklahoma manages its money and where they believe the state must change course.

What unfolded over the next hour was a window into Oklahoma’s financial machinery, the pressure points straining state agencies, and the reforms both candidates say are overdue.

“We’re not a poor state – we’re a poorly managed state,” Byrd said.

Cindy Byrd began by recounting her decades in government auditing and the high-profile investigations she has overseen.

“I put out that audit of Epic Charter Schools. I exposed a lot of waste there,” she reminded the room, adding that her team has also delivered Oklahoma’s first-ever comprehensive Medicaid audit and federal expenditure findings.

She stressed that she still has more to give the state, just in a different role.

“Whenever I look around to see what I can do going forward as a servant, I believe sitting next to the governor … helping him fix some things is where I can best help you, the taxpayer.”

— What the Lieutenant Governor Actually Does Byrd pushed back against the perception that the lieutenant governor is largely ceremonial. She listed several powerful boards where the lieutenant governor casts binding votes:

• State Board of Equalization – certifies annual revenue for the legislature • Commissioners of the Land Office – manages 750,000 acres and a $3 billion fund for education • Capital Improvements Authority – oversees bond issuance for major infrastructure projects Her message was simple: She believes she is already trained for the financial oversight side of the job.

“I’m ready on day one,” she said, based on her existing experience on many of the same boards.

— Tourism, Music & Rural Revenue

Byrd spoke with energy about continuing Lt. Gov. Matt Pinnell’s tourism initiatives and expanding them in ways that benefit rural counties.

She highlighted a new development at the Port of Muskogee: “They’re going to be bringing in a cruise line from Memphis … Can you imagine a music trail that starts in Muskogee and travels down to Atoka and Tishomingo?”

Her argument: tourism is one of the simplest ways for rural towns to generate local sales tax revenue, especially through events, boutiques, restaurants and lodging.

— Federal Spending & Medicaid: A System Under Strain One of Byrd’s recurring themes was the rapid growth in federal expenditures funneled through Oklahoma agencies.

“We went from spending $7 billion a year … to $14 billion a year. Do any of you feel any better off for the additional $7 billion?”

On Medicaid, she reiterated the finding that $1.6 billion had been paid out without verified eligibility: “People were enrolled within 24 hours … without ever verifying whether someone was truly eligible.”

She emphasized that she was not allowed to audit doctor-level billing or other aspects of the program, hinting at structural barriers that keep the auditor’s office from doing deeper investigations.

— Property Taxes & Rising Costs: “We’ve All Been Put Through the Ringer” Property taxes sparked concern among attendees especially as lawsuits against jails and school districts are increasingly pushed onto county tax rolls.

Byrd explained the convergence of rising property valuations and legal liabilities: “The next generation is losing sight of the American dream of owning a home.”

She said she has ideas for relief specifically aimed at seniors and veterans.

— Why Not Run for Governor? Byrd Gave a Direct Answer When asked why she chose to run for lieutenant governor instead of governor, Byrd was straightforward: “I don’t feel called to run for governor … and I don’t believe I can do what I want to do with my skill set as governor.”

She wants to be the person the next governor assigns to tackle entrenched problems – education administrative costs, mental health budgets and SoonerCare oversight.

— A Question on Domestic Violence Highlights Oklahoma’s Reality One attendee raised Oklahoma’s ranking in domestic violence cases and asked whether the state should consider a registry similar to Tennessee’s.

Byrd responded with care: “I’m against any kind of domestic violence … We have to protect those victims and provide pathways forward for them to feel safe.”

She reminded the room that such changes must begin with legislative action, not the lieutenant governor’s office.

Melissa Capps: “You will always receive the truth from me. The facts speak for themselves.”

Deputy State Auditor Melissa Capps followed Byrd, introducing herself as a 25-year veteran of the office with deep experience in federal audits, investigative audits, and performance reviews.

Her résumé includes leading the Medicaid eligibility audit that uncovered extensive verification failures.

Regarding federal expenditures, she said: “Most recently, we had nearly $94 million in questioned costs… and that’s with the increase from $7 billion to $14 billion flowing through our state.”

Capps emphasized continuity, institutional knowledge, and transparency.

“This office produces over 300 audit reports a year … and we must communicate the results so taxpayers know how their dollars are being spent.”

Staffing Realities: “We can always use more auditors.”

With 120 employees statewide, Capps said the auditor’s office is stretched thin. When asked what an ideal staffing level would be, she replied: “I would like to see 140.”

She also discussed the need for more investigative capacity, modern software systems, strict data security safeguards and ongoing follow-up with agencies that receive audit recommendations.

— Rooted in Rural Oklahoma Capps closed by sharing her personal background: “My grandparents were dairy farmers … I’ve lived that rural life my entire 51 years.”

She expressed her desire for Oklahoma to be a place where her children – and all Oklahomans can trust their government and rely on the services they need.

— Bringing It All Together The discussion was influential and attendees received an unfiltered look at two women who have spent their careers dissecting how Oklahoma’s government functions behind the scenes – and how it fails when oversight is absent.

Byrd summed up her pitch plainly: “Oklahoma needs to rebuild its foundation … and make sure the money we take from your pocket serves your needs.”

Capps echoed the commitment to transparency: “You will always receive the truth from me, because the facts speak for themselves.”

The issues presented at the meeting carried significant weight, underscoring the decisions made in 2024 and 2025 will shape the future of every county in Oklahoma, including ours.

The Okmulgee County GOP meetings are held monthly on the first Tuesday. Contact okmulgeecountygop@ gmail.com for more information. For more information about the guest speakers and their campaign you can visit CindyByrd.com and CappsForAuditor.com.