Red State Shaken By Resignation, Criminal Admission

Just days before the start of Oklahoma’s 2026 legislative session, a Democratic lawmaker has abruptly resigned after pleading guilty to felony ethics violations.

Rep. Ayshia “Ajay” Pittman of Oklahoma City submitted her resignation Wednesday to House Speaker Kyle Hilbert and Gov. Kevin Stitt, stepping down from the Oklahoma House of Representatives hours after admitting guilt to charges tied to submitting a forged check to the Oklahoma Ethics Commission.

“I am choosing to step aside at this time after careful consideration, which is in the best interest of the district and our great institution,” Pittman wrote in her resignation letter. “This decision will allow the House’s work to continue without distractions and ensure that the focus remains on the needs of Oklahoma’s people.”

The case was investigated by the Oklahoma Attorney General’s Office. Prosecutors said Pittman will receive a seven-year deferred sentence and must repay the misused campaign funds to a charitable organization. The attorney general’s office and Pittman agreed to jointly select the recipient.

Hilbert, a Republican from Bristow, said Pittman’s departure was unavoidable given the seriousness of the offenses.

“Today, I received a copy of Representative Pittman’s resignation from the Oklahoma House of Representatives,” Hilbert said in a statement. “Her resignation follows serious and proven violations of ethics laws. This conduct is unacceptable and falls well below the standard expected of anyone serving in the Oklahoma House of Representatives.”

🚨BREAKING: Oklahoma Democrat Representative Ayshia “Ajay” Pittman has resigned and pleaded GUILTY to THREE felony charges, including forgery and conspiracy, after submitting a FAKE check to the state’s Ethics Commission to DODGE repaying misused campaign funds. pic.twitter.com/3V9jUF1VMd

— Election Wizard (@ElectionWiz) January 29, 2026

House Democrats struck a more measured tone, acknowledging Pittman’s service while conceding the resignation was necessary.

House Minority Leader Cyndi Munson said Pittman had been suspended from Democratic caucus activities last fall after the allegations surfaced.

“I’ve been made aware of the resignation of Rep. Ajay Pittman,” Munson said in a statement. “When these severe allegations against Rep. Ajay Pittman came out in October, the Oklahoma House Democratic Caucus temporarily suspended Rep. Pittman from House Democratic Caucus membership and activities pending the results of the investigation.”

Munson added that, despite the presumption of innocence, Pittman could no longer effectively serve her district once charges were filed.

“While we believe everyone has the right to be presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law, with charges formally filed, we know that Rep. Pittman will no longer be able to serve the people of House District 99,” Munson said.

State lawmakers are scheduled to return to the Capitol on Monday for the opening day of the second session of the 60th Oklahoma Legislature, now with one less member and another ethics scandal fresh in the spotlight.

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