Gabe Woolley

Gabriel Christian Woolley is an American politician currently serving as a member of the Oklahoma House of Representatives, representing the 98th district. Woolley, a member of the Republican Party, began his tenure in the state legislature in 2024. His political career has been marked by a focus on various social and educational issues, alongside a commitment to conservative values.

Early life and career

Gabriel Christian Woolley was born on September 17, 1994, in Jackson, Michigan. He spent his formative years in Broken Arrow, Oklahoma, where he developed a foundation for his future career in education and politics. Woolley graduated from Tulsa Technology Center in 2012 and subsequently completed his high school education at Tulsa Hope Academy, a private Christian institution, in 2013. His academic journey continued at Oklahoma Wesleyan University, where he earned his degree in 2020.

Woolley's professional background includes nearly a decade of experience in the education sector. He has worked for various educational institutions, including Tulsa Public Schools and Tulsa Honor Academy, as well as a stint in Phoenix, Arizona. During his time in education, he utilized resources from PragerU, a media organization known for its conservative viewpoints. His involvement in education reflects a commitment to shaping the learning environment for students, particularly within the context of Oklahoma's educational landscape.

In addition to his work in education, Woolley has engaged in media through the Rescue Clayton Podcast and Oklahoma Lion Media. He has collaborated with Red River Media to produce documentaries that address personal and social issues, including his family's custody battle concerning his nephew. This personal experience has informed his perspectives on child welfare and related legislative matters.

Woolley's family background has also been marked by controversy. His parents, William 'Bill' Woolley and Lisa Woolley, were involved in a custody dispute over his nephew, which drew significant public attention. The couple faced charges related to the death of their grandson, Elijah, although these charges were later dropped after it was determined that the child had died from sudden infant death syndrome. Despite the resolution of the legal issues, the custody situation surrounding Elijah's brother remains unresolved.

Legislative service

Woolley's political career in the Oklahoma House of Representatives began in 2024 when he ran for the 98th district seat. He faced incumbent Dean Davis in the Republican primary, which also included candidate J. David Taylor. Woolley advanced to the runoff election against Davis, where he ultimately secured victory. His campaign was characterized by a focus on issues related to child welfare and criticism of state agencies, particularly the Oklahoma Department of Human Services.

During his campaign, Woolley was vocal about his concerns regarding child protective services, participating in rallies and public discussions. His advocacy in this area gained traction, leading to the resignation of the director of the Oklahoma Department of Human Services, although the governor denied any direct connection between the resignation and Woolley's family's criticisms.

Woolley was sworn into office on November 20, 2024. Shortly after taking office, he expressed support for a grand jury investigation into the Oklahoma Department of Human Services, highlighting his commitment to oversight and accountability within state agencies. He also participated in a significant meeting of the Oklahoma State Board of Education, emphasizing the importance of legislative observation in educational governance.

In the 60th Oklahoma Legislature, Woolley served as the vice chair of the general government committee, where he contributed to discussions and decisions on various legislative matters. His role in this committee reflects his engagement in the legislative process and his commitment to addressing issues pertinent to the state's governance.

Policy focus and district

Woolley's policy focus encompasses a range of issues, reflecting his conservative ideology and the interests of his constituents in the 98th district. He has been described as an "uber-conservative" by local media, which indicates a strong alignment with traditional conservative values.

In the realm of education, Woolley advocates for the inclusion of significant historical events, such as the history of Black Wall Street and the Tulsa Race Massacre, in state history standards. He has also supported proposed social studies standards that emphasize the importance of the Bible in educational contexts, reflecting his commitment to integrating religious perspectives into public education.

Woolley's stance on energy is characterized by opposition to renewable energy sources, particularly wind and solar power. He has publicly expressed his views alongside other prominent state officials, indicating a unified front against certain energy policies.

On social issues, Woolley has taken a firm stance against LGBTQ+ rights, identifying as a "former member of the LGBTQ community." He has argued against allowing LGBTQ individuals to adopt children and has opposed access to transgender health care for minors. His comparisons of gender-affirming care to historical injustices, such as the Tuskegee Syphilis Study, illustrate his controversial positions on these matters.

Woolley has also criticized local government practices, notably the Tulsa City Council's decision to allow a neopagan member to offer an invocation at a meeting, which he described in negative terms. His comments reflect a broader concern about the influence of diverse religious beliefs in public spaces.

Additionally, Woolley has voiced opposition to the Oklahoma Turnpike Authority's authority to raise toll rates without legislative approval. He advocates for requiring a vote from the Oklahoma Legislature to approve any proposed rate increases, indicating his commitment to fiscal accountability and transparency in government operations.

Overall, Gabe Woolley's legislative service is marked by a focus on conservative principles, educational reform, and social issues that resonate with his constituents in Oklahoma's 98th district. His background in education and media, combined with his personal experiences, inform his approach to governance and policy-making in the state legislature.