Michelle Lafleur

Michelle Lafleur earned a bachelor's degree from the University of Tulsa.[1]

Who are you? Tell us about yourself.

I hope to represent District 68 in the Oklahoma House of Representatives. I was born in Tulsa and spent most of my childhood in Bixby and Tulsa.

I graduated from the University of Tulsa where I studied Business Administration and used student loans to take advantage of the study abroad programs whenever I could. I managed to visit 4 countries before getting my diploma. After graduation I worked in a couple local Oil and Gas companies, working my way up to a Sr. Landman, but also experienced the challenges of the industry, as those companies consolidated or left the state. Fortunately, I have been able to transfer my skills in land management to other industries and keep my family in the Tulsa area. My husband and I have spent the last 15 years raising our family in district 68, with a child in public school and roots in the local community.

I am running for office because I saw a need to have more equitable representation in the Oklahoma House of Representatives. I believe our legislators’ time and our taxpayers’ money focus on improving lives and outcomes for every Oklahoman.

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?

The first goal is to provide more equitable representation for all parts of District 68. I believe the key to this goal is to help break the supermajority that currently exists in the Oklahoma House. This supermajority means that good legislation never makes it to the floor for discussion. I believe Legislators have a duty to the citizens of Oklahoma to spend their time on issues that lead to better outcomes for all citizens. Instead, some of those elected have chosen to focus on more sensational topics, grabbing headlines but making no meaningful difference. I want to support meaningful legislation to improve lives and challenge our lawmakers who refuse to do the same.Shelter is not only a human necessity; it is a stabilizing force in our society. At 19 years old while working full time and taking college classes at night, my mother was able to buy a small home through the HUD (Housing and Urban Development program). This house provided stability and helped protect our small struggling family from rising rents. As housing costs have dramatically increased, families are struggling to afford rent and evictions are rising, contributing to an increase in citizens who find themselves without stable housing. As a representative, I will fight to expand programs and create incentives to increase the supply of affordable housing and help move citizens into stable housing.Just as housing provides a stable base for a community, education is the ladder for individuals to improve their lives. Our public schools are underfunded while the current Oklahoma leadership shifts millions of taxpayer funds to private schools. These institutions are not held to the same standards as public schools and may discriminate based on religion or ability. I will advocate to end the school voucher program and prioritize funding our public schools while supporting our teachers and students.

What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?

I am passionate about bringing ethical governance back to Oklahoma. I have been ashamed that so many politicians at all levels of government have used their positions and tax funded projects to benefit their family and friends. These sweetheart contracts and real estate deals have left citizens financially burdened for generations while they watch the elite gain long lasting advantages.

What organizations or individuals have endorsed your campaign?

OKDemVets, Indivisible Tulsa