Kyle Hilbert

Kyle Hilbert is a Republican member of the Oklahoma House of Representatives, currently serving as the representative for District 29. He has been in office since 2016 and has recently been elected as the Speaker of the Oklahoma House of Representatives. Hilbert's legislative career has been marked by a focus on education, taxation, and rural issues, reflecting the needs and interests of his constituents in Creek and Tulsa counties.

Early life and career

Kyle Hilbert was born on March 23, 1994. He grew up in Oklahoma, where he attended Depew High School. During his time in high school, he was actively involved in the Future Farmers of America (FFA) and served as the chapter's president. His leadership skills were recognized when he won a national championship for public speaking at the National FFA Convention held in Indianapolis in 2011. This early involvement in FFA not only honed his public speaking abilities but also instilled a sense of civic engagement that would later influence his political career.

Following high school, Hilbert pursued higher education at Oklahoma State University, where he earned a Bachelor's Degree in Agribusiness. His time at OSU was marked by significant involvement in student governance; he served as president of the Student Government Association, showcasing his leadership capabilities. His contributions to the university community were acknowledged when he was named an Outstanding Senior in 2016. In 2024, he furthered his education by obtaining a Master of Business Administration from Oklahoma State University.

Hilbert resides in Bristow, Oklahoma, with his wife and their two daughters. His family life is an integral part of his identity, and he often emphasizes the importance of community and family values in his public service.

Legislative service

Kyle Hilbert began his legislative career when he was elected to represent House District 29 in November 2016. His election came while he was still a senior in college, making him one of the youngest members to serve in the Oklahoma House of Representatives at the age of 22. Since taking office, he has been an active participant in the legislative process, contributing to various committees and initiatives.

During his first term in the 56th Legislature, Hilbert successfully carried eight bills that were signed into law. He served as an assistant majority whip and was a member of three appropriations subcommittees, where he gained experience in budgetary matters and state funding allocations. His early involvement laid the groundwork for his future legislative endeavors.

In the 57th Legislature, Hilbert was appointed vice chair of the House Appropriations & Budget Committee, a role that allowed him to influence fiscal policy and budgetary decisions. He also chaired the House Rural Caucus, a bipartisan group focused on addressing the unique challenges faced by rural communities in Oklahoma. His legislative efforts during this session included authoring a bill that created a sales tax exemption for medical devices prescribed by medical practitioners and introducing legislation that allowed voters to take photographs of their ballots, which had previously been prohibited.

Hilbert's influence continued to grow in the 58th Legislature, where he championed significant legislation, including a major overhaul of Oklahoma's ad valorem tax reimbursement system and the DRIVE Act, which established a fair tax structure for electric vehicles. He was also the House author of the Redbud School Funding Act, which allocated a portion of medical marijuana excise tax revenue to public school districts for infrastructure improvements. Additionally, he modernized the education funding formula through House Bill 2078, ensuring that funding was based on the most recent enrollment data.

In February 2022, Hilbert was elected as the speaker pro tempore of the Oklahoma House of Representatives, becoming the youngest individual to hold this position in modern history at the age of 27. His election followed the vacancy left by the previous speaker pro tempore, who faced legal issues. In this role, Hilbert continued to influence legislative proceedings and was involved in various initiatives, including legislation that required school library programs to align with community standards.

In the 59th Legislature, Hilbert was reelected to his fourth term in November 2022 and was again elected as speaker pro tempore in 2023. His leadership was evident during critical moments, such as when he played a pivotal role in advancing legislation related to charter schools. In March 2024, he was selected as the Speaker of the Oklahoma House of Representatives-elect, set to succeed Charles McCall in 2025.

Policy focus and district

As a legislator, Kyle Hilbert has focused on a range of policy areas that reflect the interests and needs of his constituents in District 29, which encompasses parts of Creek and Tulsa counties. His legislative agenda has prominently featured education, taxation, and rural development, aligning with the priorities of many residents in his district.

Education has been a central theme in Hilbert's legislative work. He has advocated for reforms that improve funding for public schools and ensure that educational resources are allocated effectively. His authorship of the Redbud School Funding Act demonstrates his commitment to enhancing educational infrastructure through innovative funding mechanisms. Additionally, his efforts to modernize the education funding formula highlight his focus on ensuring that schools receive adequate resources based on current enrollment figures.

Tax policy has also been a significant area of focus for Hilbert. His work on the DRIVE Act and the overhaul of the ad valorem tax reimbursement system illustrates his commitment to creating a fair and equitable tax structure in Oklahoma. By addressing the taxation of electric vehicles and ensuring that property tax reimbursements are effectively managed, he aims to promote economic growth and sustainability within the state.

Hilbert's role as chair of the House Rural Caucus underscores his dedication to addressing the unique challenges faced by rural communities. This bipartisan group serves as a platform for discussing issues pertinent to rural constituents, allowing Hilbert to advocate for policies that support economic development, infrastructure improvements, and access to essential services in these areas.

As he continues his legislative career, Hilbert's focus remains on representing the interests of his constituents while navigating the complexities of state governance. His trajectory in the Oklahoma House of Representatives reflects a commitment to public service and a dedication to addressing the needs of the communities he serves.