Journalist: Sydni Callaway (OSU)
April 15th, 2026, marked the start of the 2nd Session of the 57th Oklahoma Intercollegiate Legislature. Delegates from all competitions and delegations filled the House Chamber, anxiously awaiting to start the new session. Lt. Gov. Kylee Laginess (ALU) called the session to order, asking the sergeant at arms to call the Senate to the house, as well as the executive cabinet and honorable justices. Once the Speaker of the House and the President Pro Tempore nominated individuals to go call for the governor, the 2nd session began!
Amidst Gov. Jacob Schonfield’s (ALU) opening speech, he passed the microphone onto the keynote speaker. Andrew Heaton, a former governor for OIL, gave a speech to the delegates. Heaton is a published author, host of a podcast “Political Orphanage” and self-proclaimed political pundit. In his speech, Heaton highlighted how Oklahoma has a can do attitude and neighborliness—describing how Oklahoma is unlike other states.
Following Heaton’s speech, the election commission began. Deputy Attorney General Trevor Friesen (OSU) opened the floor for nomination speeches for lieutenant governor. Amongst those nominations were current Attorney General Renner Howell (ALU) and Sen. Alaina Whittington (OSU).
In Howell’s acceptance speech, he described his goals as lieutenant governor. Howell wants to improve the activity pass, focusing on feeding the delegates rather than spending money on nightly activities that not many attend. Howell plans to create more bonding activities across the organization state-wide by having an OIL event during breaks for those that are free. Howell also plans to continue to improve the community service project. As the rules are recently rewritten, he aims to archive all community service projects on the OIL website for the future legislatures to see.
Sen. Whittington opened up her acceptance speech by how her leadership roles have continued to shape her want and drive for this position. By focusing on managing finances, Whittington plans to make the activity pass more fun with cheaper alternatives. She also wants to focus more on collaboration for those in the organization by having those from other delegations pair up and collaborate.
Following the nomination speeches for lieutenant governor, Deputy Attorney General Friesen called for nominating speeches for the office of the governor. The nominations for this office included Secretary of State Tallie Tynes (ALU), President Pro Tempore Wesley Hurlbut (ALU) and Lt. Gov Laginess. Each candidate emphasized on their work they have done for the organization and described their dedication. President Pro Tempore Hurlbut highlighted how he wants to increase recruitment and retention and bring back other delegations. Lt. Gov. Laginess described how she wants to make information about session more punctual and economically feasible. Secretary of State Tynes aims to strengthen relations with the capitol as well as become more focused on the fundraising side of the organization.
After nominating speeches, Whitney Cipolla from Teach for America spoke. She described what Teach for America does and how we can help them develop. Alas, Chief Justice Caleb Dorsten (ALU) swore in the legislature and session officially began!