About the candidate
Sworn in January 3, 2011. Chairman of the Board of Commissioners, multiple terms. A record built by showing up — day after day, storm after storm, road after road.
01
James Hanning was sworn in as Wagoner County Commissioner for District 1 on January 3, 2011. He immediately became Chairman of the Board of Commissioners and has served multiple terms in that chair since.
His first month on the job was a record-breaking snowstorm. He worked shoulder-to-shoulder with road crews day and night for nearly a week until the county was moving again. That's been the pattern ever since.
02
In fifteen years, Commissioner Hanning and his crews have paved, chipped and oiled 21 miles of District 1 road, built two bridges, repaired and elevated multiple low-water crossings, and — for the first time since he took office in 2011 — added safety striping to county roads across the district.
He helped bring the Oak Grove Fire Department into being, and partnered with rural water districts to install fire hydrants across District 1 with REAP grant funding.
03
James Hanning believes government should operate as debt-free as possible. In his first 18 months in office he paid off four pieces of county equipment — reducing the monthly equipment bill by $5,035.68. The savings didn't disappear. They got re-invested in roads and infrastructure District 1 could actually see.
Every penny of District 1's budget comes from landowners and consumers.
Commissioner Hanning treats it accordingly.
04
In 2012, Commissioner Hanning was appointed to the Energy, Environment, and Land Use (EELU) Steering Committee for the National Association of Counties (NACo). He also serves on the Wagoner County Economic Development Board — part of why Wagoner County has been able to attract new businesses that reduce the tax burden on residents.
05
James Hanning opposed the 241-megawatt solar farm proposed near Porter when residents made clear they didn't want it. He opposed the eight-proposition sales tax measure when voters said it was too much, too fast. Residents are always welcome to walk into his office and review detailed records of every project and every penny spent.
06
The Republican primary is Tuesday, June 16, 2026. Early voting runs June 11–13. The voter-registration deadline is May 22.
Fifteen years of showing up doesn't win a primary by itself. If you can spare an hour, a yard sign space, or a few dollars —
From your neighbors
Commissioner Hanning addressed our dilemma in a speedy and efficient manner. We value his efforts.
All the roads I use in District 1 are in pretty good shape and are maintained regularly.
I did not want another day to pass without saying how much I appreciate you making sure to address our issues.
James got the roads fixed near our house. He has excellent communication and management skills. James got the job done. His team exceeded our expectations on the roadwork and did a fantastic job.
Outstanding leadership for Wagoner County.