Kevin West

Kevin West was born in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. He graduated from Douglass High School and attended Northeastern Oklahoma A&M. His career experience includes working as a carpenter.[1]

Who are you? Tell us about yourself.

Born in Oklahoma City, raised in South Oklahoma City, and a graduate of Douglass High School, I was taught early on the value of hard work, teamwork, and perseverance. I've worked in and owned cabinet shops my entire career until 2016, when I was elected to serve in the House of Representatives, serving S. OKC and N. Moore. I've seen first hand the skills of Oklahomans who are ready and willing to work, to build this state just as I have, and it would be an honor to serve them yet again in a more direct role as Labor Commissioner.

My wife of almost 40 years, Goldie, and I have always called Oklahoma home, raised our two, now grown, children here, and take it as no small matter what it takes to keep a family fed, clothed, and healthy. As your Labor Commissioner it is my aim to assure the dignity of work is available and the skills needed are attainable in a manner that doesn't break your piggy bank!

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?

Skilled Trades & Workforce DevelopmentSmall Business & Contractor SupportWorkplace Safety & Common-Sense Compliance

What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?

Skilled trades and workforce development, also apprenticeship/training programs, and protecting labor agreements and fair competition.

What qualities does this office possess that makes it a unique and important part of the state government and legal system?

The dignity of Labor is the key to personal prosperity and the backbone of the American Way! It is not just a part of any government or system, it is the pillar.

Who do you look up to? Whose example would you like to follow, and why?

As far as Political, it would have to be Ronal Reagan, his stern but gentle way of leading was a strong influence. As far as Sports, Walter Payton, for his strong work ethic and tenacity. As far as Personal, my Sweetheart's Grandpa, Gordon Arney, whom I knew before I knew her. His acceptance of any kid in the room, his faith, his ability to love unconditionally, and it wasn't any one event you just knew it from his everyday actions that he was someone you could always go to, always trust.

What characteristics or principles are most important for an elected official?

Integrity, fighting to bring to pass what you promise.

Listening, hearing the passions and ideas of others.

Grit, fighting for those who do not have the ability to fight on their own.

What do you believe are the core responsibilities for someone elected to this office?

According to the official duties, they are: 1. Foster, promote, and develop the welfare of the wage earners of this state; ‎2. Improve working conditions of the wage earners; 3. Advance opportunities of wage earners for profitable employment; and 4. Carry into effect all laws in relation to labor enacted by the Legislature for which ‎responsibility is assigned to the Commissioner of Labor. This must be combined with a person of character who will not just be able to repeat the official, documented requirements, but have the will and ability to carry them out. ‎

What is the first historical event that happened in your lifetime that you remember? How old were you at the time?

Ronald Reagan getting elected and also the assassination attempt, I was 13 at the time. Of particular interest was him telling the medical staff he hoped they were all Republicans.

What was your very first job? How long did you have it?

Yard Hand for a Cattle Commission company at the Oklahoma City Stockyards every summer for five years. Even got my City Girl High School Sweetheart to come have lunch with me at the cafe inside the Stockyards!

What responsibilities of this office do you personally consider the most important?

Ensuring the opportunity and dignity of work for all Oklahomans.

Are there any little-known powers or responsibilities held by this office that you believe more people should be aware of?

You get to inspect the rides at the State Fair!

Do you believe that it's beneficial for holders of this office to have previous experience in government or politics?

It can be a huge benefit to know how the system works if you need to create a law or change a rule, it is helpful to know how the system works to be able to get this done. But I would not call it a pre-requisite.

What kind of skills or expertise do you believe would be the most helpful for the holders of this office to possess?

Leadership - to be able to lead groups of people with varying opinions and life philosophies to come to a common goal. Tenacity - the ability to see a project through to completion. Construction/Manufacturing Experience - working knowledge of what our workers deal with daily, whether that be OSHA safety inspections or boiler inspections, being able to help navigate those issues as they arise with proper guidance.

Campaign websiteWest's campaign website stated the following:Kevin West’s PrioritiesProtect workers.Empower small businesses.Prepare Oklahoma for the future.Together, we can transform our labor system into what it was meant to be - creating jobs that work for everyone.Kevin’s Blueprint for Success as your Labor Commissioner1. Rebuild the Pipeline of Skilled TradesExpand CareerTech partnerships and start trade education earlier in high school.Create incentives for businesses to offer apprenticeships.Streamline licensing so qualified workers can start working faster.2. Stand with Small Businesses & Local ContractorsGuarantee fair bidding on public contracts.Simplify outdated rules and regulations—curbing mandates and cutting red tape.Ensure Oklahoma shops aren’t squeezed out by out-of-state giants or out-of-country scammers.Support Oklahoma-based companies to grow and hire more Oklahomans!3. Promote Safety Through Partnership, Not Punishment“Teach before you fine” – helping employers with training and tools before penalties.Modernize workplace safety to protect workers and help businesses succeed.Protect privacy and constitutional rights.No forced union dues.Build bridges between workers and owner/operators so they can work hand-in-hand for Oklahoma’s success!4. Support Veterans & Second ChancesCreate skilled trade pathways for veterans who served our nation.Provide training and placement programs that give those seeking a second chance the dignity of work and a fresh start.5. Prepare for the Future of Work & Secure America’s FutureLaunch a bipartisan task force on AI and automation—protecting Oklahoma workers while preparing them for a changing economy.Recognize that AI can be America’s greatest asset—or our greatest national security threat if we fail to lead.Push for Oklahoma to be a hub of innovation and skilled talent—making sure our state is not left behind.Support policies that strengthen America’s leadership in:Technology and cybersecurityManufacturing and supply chainsEnergy and aerospaceEngineering and emerging marketsBy leading in innovation, training, and skilled labor, Oklahoma can help secure America’s future—keeping our nation strong, competitive, and safe.— Kevin West's campaign website (August 17, 2026)Note: This text is quoted verbatim from the original source. Any inconsistencies are attributable to the original source.

Kevin West did not complete [the profile publisher]'s 2024 Candidate Connection survey.

Kevin West did not complete [the profile publisher]'s 2022 Candidate Connection survey.

Kevin West did not complete [the profile publisher]'s 2020 Candidate Connection survey.