Background
Justin Hornback's professional experience includes working in business management and as a welder, certified welding inspector, safety and health specialist, and organizer for Local Union 798. Hornback has been affiliated with UA Local 798.[1][2]
In their own words
Who are you? Tell us about yourself.
I proudly call Broken Arrow, OK my Home. I am a Pipeline Welder, Certified Welding Inspector, and Specialist in Safety and Health(Construction and General Industry). With a diverse background spanning multiple roles in the energy industry, I bring a wealth of experience to the table.
Please list below 3 key messages of your campaign. What are the main points you want voters to remember about your goals for your time in office?
Open Communication. Being available to Oklahoma, and ensuring everyone's voice is heard in all aspects of the Oklahoma Corporation CommissionTransparency. Staying true to the mission of the OCC and being willing to bring transparency in all aspects, so that we can be held accountable.Industry Experience. With over 20 years experience in one of the largest industries under the regulation of the OCC, knowing how laws are applied in specific circumstances. Accurately enforcing laws should be the highest priority for your Commissioners, and having the fresh perspective to understand the needs of consumers and the industry.
What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?
As the Corporation Commissioner, it is required to ensure that the State operates in an way to not hinder industries while protecting the rights of consumers and Oklahomans. Understanding how the laws allow protections to be enforced while being available to discuss with the Legislators what aspects of policy needs to be changed to work better in the future.
What qualities does this office possess that makes it a unique and important part of the state government and legal system?
The Oklahoma Corporation Commissioners have a deep understanding of how the laws apply to industries and the ways law-makers ensure consumer protections, and regulations that protect Oklahoma. Being available to everyone to ensure the needs of Oklahoma are being met.
Who do you look up to? Whose example would you like to follow, and why?
My personal Mentor and good friend is Ricky Jones, who just retired after a great career in welding starting in Alaska on the Pipeline. He has been an inspiration and a great friend. Everyone he meets remembers who he is, because he's the type of person you never forget. He started right out of high school, providing for his family through hard work and dedication. He became an Welding Instructor through the Training Center in Tulsa, OK and later became the dispatcher of the local. He taught me some of the most important parts of welding and life and general.
What characteristics or principles are most important for an elected official?
Being open and available to hear from the people of Oklahoma to ensure that the government in working in a way that serves their needs. Having regular meetings, ensuring transparent operation, and being responsible for decisions made. Surrounding yourself with knowledgeable people that can provide input on areas of expertise.
What qualities do you possess that you believe would make you a successful officeholder?
I have the work ethic to ensure the job is done, no matter how hard it can get. Being open and available to keep communication a priority. A deep routed commitment to transparency.
What do you believe are the core responsibilities for someone elected to this office?
The core responsibility of a Corporation Commissioner is to know how the laws apply and ensure fair and accurate enforcement of the laws are being used. Being available to discuss ways to ensure productive changes that provide better efficiencies that still protect the State.
What is the first historical event that happened in your lifetime that you remember? How old were you at the time?
The first historical event that happened in my lifetime that I remember would be the fall of the Berlin Wall at age 5, but I really didn't understand what it was or what it meant until later in life. The first historical event I remember reading about was the Oklahoma City Bombing, reading it on the front page of the newspaper that I was delivering. I was 11 at the time.
What was your very first job? How long did you have it?
My first job was delivering newspapers in my neighborhood. I started at age 11 until age 15 working 7 days a week for 4 years.
If you could be any fictional character, who would you want to be?
Hank Hill, because of his love of Family, Country, and Propane.
What responsibilities of this office do you personally consider the most important?
I believe the experience and knowledge of how to read and understand law, and the ability to accurately enforce rules and regulations.
Are there any little-known powers or responsibilities held by this office that you believe more people should be aware of?
The Corporation Commission has oversight in many of the aspects of our daily lives, and the decisions made there have an impact on everyone in the State.
Do you believe that it's beneficial for holders of this office to have previous experience in government or politics?
The role of a Commissioner is to be able to look up laws, re-read them in their entirety, and understand how to apply the law. While previous experience in politics gives someone an inside understanding of how the laws were made, it does not provide them the same understanding of how they are applied to each industry in Oklahoma. I believe that Industry Exerience is key component of being a Commissioner, and the perspective from a Commissioner that works in one of the largest industries would be a great addition to the two commissioners that have commendable, long-term experience in government and politics.
What kind of skills or expertise do you believe would be the most helpful for the holders of this office to possess?
In both my role as an Inspector and role in Safety, I am required to understand codes, rules, and laws. How they apply, how they are intended, and aspects that may not have been considered when crafting the language. This translates to the responsibilities of a Commissioner in many ways. Being able to apply the law, while knowing the route to ensure that they continue to provide the same protections going into the future.
What are your views on financial transparency and government accountability?
Transparency is a requirement to ensure accountability, and only someone who would benefit from a hidden agenda would tell you otherwise
Who are you? Tell us about yourself.
My name is Justin Hornback, I am a Pipeline Welder and Member of Pipeliners Local 798 in Tulsa, OK. I had made my career working in the Oil and Gas industry working with industry leaders building infrastructure to deliver the products we all use to fuel our lives. I have worked on and off the right of way to provide for my family. I am no stranger to hard work and long hours, working in the office or in the field to get projects completed. I am running for Oklahoma Corporation Commissioner in 2024 and would love to get to know you.
Please list below 3 key messages of your campaign. What are the main points you want voters to remember about your goals for your time in office?
Transparency is extremely important to me, and extremely important to the people of Oklahoma. I will be open with anyone that has a question and am happy to give anyone my email or cell number.I have knowledge of the Industry and have worked with many of the companies that deal with the Commission on a daily basis.I am a hard working Oklahoman, who understands putting in the hours to obtain results.
What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?
Transportation and Utilities.
What qualities does this office possess that makes it a unique and important part of the state government and legal system?
The one main quality of the Corporation Commission is that it is a non-partisan position in the government. Working for the people without regards to party affiliation and in their best interest will provide the best outcome for Oklahoma.
Who do you look up to? Whose example would you like to follow, and why?
My personal Mentor and good friend is Ricky Jones, who just retired after a great career in welding starting in Alaska on the Pipeline. He has been an inspiration and a great friend. Everyone he meets remembers who he is, because he's the type of person you never forget. He started right out of high school, providing for his family through hard work and dedication. He became an Welding Instructor through the Training Center in Tulsa, OK and later became the dispatcher of the local. He taught me some of the most important parts of welding and life and general.
What characteristics or principles are most important for an elected official?
Integrity, Determination, and Honesty
What do you believe are the core responsibilities for someone elected to this office?
Transparency.
What is the first historical event that happened in your lifetime that you remember? How old were you at the time?
The first historical event that happened in my lifetime that I remember would be the fall of the Berlin Wall at age 5, but I really didn't understand what it was or what it meant until later in life. The first historical event I remember reading about was the Oklahoma City Bombing, reading it on the front page of the newspaper that I was delivering. I was 11 at the time.
What was your very first job? How long did you have it?
My first job was delivering newspapers in my neighborhood. I started at age 11 until age 15 working 7 days a week for 4 years.
What responsibilities of this office do you personally consider the most important?
Listening to the people. Being open and honest about what is happening at the Commission. Transparency.
There are many responsibilities of the Corporation Commission that are overlooked or unknown because of the broad oversight of the Commission. What does the Oklahoma Corporation Commission oversee?
The Oklahoma Corporation Commission (OCC) is a regulatory agency in the state of Oklahoma, United States. It has broad jurisdiction over several key industries within the state. The OCC oversees and regulates the following areas:
1. Energy Regulation: The OCC is responsible for regulating the oil, natural gas, and electric utilities within Oklahoma. It ensures that these industries operate in a safe, efficient, and environmentally responsible manner. This includes overseeing drilling permits, production practices, pipeline safety, and utility rates.
2. Public Utilities: The OCC regulates the rates and services provided by public utilities, such as water, sewer, and telecommunications companies. It ensures that these utilities operate fairly, provide reliable services, and charge reasonable rates to consumers.
3. Transportation: The OCC has regulatory authority over intrastate motor carriers, including common carriers, contract carriers, and private carriers. It oversees licensing, safety regulations, and enforcement to ensure the transportation of goods and passengers within the state is conducted safely and efficiently.
4. Railroad Regulation: The OCC regulates and oversees the safety and operations of railroads operating within Oklahoma. It ensures compliance with federal and state regulations, investigates accidents and incidents, and monitors railroad operations to protect public safety.
5. Conservation and Environmental Protection: The OCC has a role in the conservation and protection of Oklahoma's natural resources. It regulates the exploration, production, and disposal of oil, natural gas, and other minerals. It also addresses environmental concerns related to energy production, including water use and contamination, waste disposal, and land rec
Do you believe that it's beneficial for holders of this office to have previous experience in government or politics?
Political experience is very beneficial in many ways, but I think that this office requires a person to know the people and be able to communicate. I think the longer someone remains in politics, the further separated they become from the people they represent. I think taking industry experience into this position is better than a politician that is looking for a change. I have a track record of working with regulatory commissions and industry leaders.
Oklahoma believes in term limits to help ensure the people are being represented fairly. "Term limits are essential to a healthy democracy. They prevent any one person from becoming too powerful and help to ensure that new voices are heard."
What kind of skills or expertise do you believe would be the most helpful for the holders of this office to possess?
Listening is the absolute top skill required for this office. Listening to the people and understanding the issues that people of Oklahoma face.
Who are you? Tell us about yourself.
My name is Justin Hornback, I am a Pipeline Welder by Trade and Member of Pipeliners Local Union 798 in Tulsa, OK. I have worked on the ROW and in Offices working hard for the workers and supporting infrastructure projects. I am running for Oklahoma Corporation Commissioner in 2022 to help Oklahoman's who are concerned about rising Inflation and Utility Costs. I have 15 years in Oil and Gas, and have sat at many permitting meetings around the US and understand that the public wants to know that Commissioners are working in their best interest.
Please list below 3 key messages of your campaign. What are the main points you want voters to remember about your goals for your time in office?
I am a hard working Oklahoman, who understands putting in the hours to obtain results.I have knowledge of the Industry and have worked with many of the companies that deal with the Commission on a daily basis.Transparency is extremely important to me, and extremely important to the people of Oklahoma. I will be open with anyone that has a question and am happy to give anyone my email or cell number.
What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?
Transportation issues
What qualities does this office possess that makes it a unique and important part of the state government and legal system?
The one main quality of the Corporation Commission is that it is a non-partisan position in the government. Working for the people without regards to party affiliation and in their best interest will provide the best outcome for Oklahoma.
Who do you look up to? Whose example would you like to follow, and why?
My personal Mentor and good friend is Ricky Jones, who just retired after a great career in welding starting in Alaska on the Pipeline. He has been an inspiration and a great friend. Everyone he meets remembers who he is, because he's the type of person you never forget. He started right out of high school, providing for his family through hard work and dedication. He became an Welding Instructor through the Training Center in Tulsa, OK and later became the dispatcher of the local. He taught me some of the most important parts of welding and life and general.
What characteristics or principles are most important for an elected official?
Integrity and Honesty.
What do you believe are the core responsibilities for someone elected to this office?
Transparency
What is the first historical event that happened in your lifetime that you remember? How old were you at the time?
The first historical event that happened in my lifetime that I remember would be the fall of the Berlin Wall at age 5, but I really didn't understand what it was or what it meant until later in life. The first historical event I remember reading about was the Oklahoma City Bombing, reading it on the front page of the newspaper that I was delivering. I was 11 at the time.
What was your very first job? How long did you have it?
My first job was delivering newspapers in my neighborhood. I started at age 11 until age 15 working 7 days a week for 4 years.
What responsibilities of this office do you personally consider the most important?
Listening to the people. Being open and honest about what is happening at the Commission. Transparency.
Do you believe that it's beneficial for holders of this office to have previous experience in government or politics?
Political experience is very beneficial in many ways, but I think that this office requires a person to know the people and be able to communicate. I think the longer someone remains in politics, the further separated they become from the people they represent. I think taking industry experience into this position is better than a politician that is looking for a change.
What kind of skills or expertise do you believe would be the most helpful for the holders of this office to possess?
Listening is the absolute top skill required for this office. Listening to the people and understanding the issues that people of Oklahoma face.
On the 2026 ballot
Links
Compiled from the candidate’s published profile as of September 30, 2026.
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