The McCall Record

Full name: Charles Adelbert McCall III. Born April 19, 1970 (age 55). Occupation: Banker and politician.

Spouse: Stephanie Ann McCall (Hays). Voter registration: Republican — switched from Democrat on June 16, 2011.

Education: University of Oklahoma 1988-92; University of Colorado Boulder 1998-2000.

Was a registered Democrat until June 16, 2011, when he switched to Republican specifically to run for State Representative.

Claims to be a "lifelong conservative" despite over a decade of Democrat voter registration and five-figure donations to Democrat candidates.

$500 donation to Brad Carson for U.S. Senate (2004).

As Speaker, pushed for the $581 million Step Up Oklahoma tax increase on cigarettes, motor fuel, oil & gas, and wind energy — the plan ultimately failed.

Passed a $447 million tax increase on oil & gas, gasoline, diesel, hotel/motel, and cigarettes — the first major tax increase in 28 years.

His "cigarette fee" was ruled unconstitutional by the Oklahoma Supreme Court, costing taxpayers $30,000 per day for a special legislative session to address it.

Gave $127,000 in pay raises to 14 legislative staffers while simultaneously pushing tax hikes on Oklahoma families.

Authorized $7,500 raises for 39 House legislative assistants.

He and fellow legislators received a 35% pay raise and stipend increase during COVID — while more than 100,000 Oklahomans lost their jobs.

After eight years as Speaker of the House, Oklahoma ranks dead last — 50th in the nation — for public education.

Bragged about killing school choice legislation — refused to allow school voucher bills to be heard.

Blocked SB 1647, the "backpack bill," which would have provided $8,000 per child for school choice.

Voted to weaken felony thresholds (HB 2281) — lowered theft under $1,000 from a felony to a misdemeanor.

Voted to expand deferred sentencing for criminals.

Voted to allow life-in-prison sentences to be reduced after just 10 years served.

Voted to create the Oklahoma Supplier Diversity Initiative, prioritizing DEI requirements in state contracts.

Rewarded OU Children's Hospital with $39.4 million in funding despite the hospital promoting gender-affirming care.

Blocked legislation that would have banned gender reassignment surgery for individuals under 21.

Passed a budget including $700 million in corporate welfare incentives for Panasonic's electric car battery manufacturing plant.

Praised a $1 billion solar panel factory (Enel) funded by President Biden's Inflation Reduction Act.

Approved $180 million in corporate welfare subsidies for the Enel solar company.

Praised Governor Stitt's COVID lockdown executive order.

Implemented a mask mandate at the Oklahoma State Capitol.

Called COVID lockdowns a "reasonable precaution."

Opposed a hardline immigration proposal to share the status of non-English speaking students with ICE.

Publicly stated that the GOP Platform Caucus "does not speak for him" on immigration enforcement.

Distanced himself from Republican efforts on immigration enforcement.

Voted against allowing citizens to carry licensed firearms inside the Oklahoma State Capitol.

Voted against allowing colleges to establish their own concealed carry policies.

Failed to police his own caucus during the Rep. Dan Kirby sexual harassment scandal — taxpayers paid a $44,500 settlement to the victim.

Required a non-disclosure agreement and gag order during the Kirby investigation.

Kirby was eventually recommended for expulsion after the scandal became public.

Routinely voted to increase state debt through bonds for school construction, Capitol renovations, correctional facilities, and dams.

When he left the Speaker's office, the state had more than $9 billion in outstanding revenue-backed obligations.

Sponsored legislation to expand Medicaid through a local option.

Voted to increase Medicaid funding by $28 million.

Medicaid spending increased 81% during his tenure — from $5.7 billion to $10.5 billion.