Gov. Kevin Stitt has appointed attorney Travis Jett to fill a position on the Oklahoma Supreme Court that came open after voters ousted longtime liberal incumbent Justice Yvonne Kauger last November.
“Travis Jett is a man of integrity, wisdom, and deep respect for the rule of law,” Stitt said. “He brings an impressive legal mind, a servant’s heart, and a wealth of legal experience to our Supreme Court. I am confident he will uphold our Constitution and apply the law fairly and faithfully for Oklahomans.”
A fourth-generation Oklahoman, Jett has represented plaintiffs and defendants, including a former governor, the State Board of Education, publicly traded corporations, privately held companies, family farms, and more. He has represented clients before the Ethics Commission, Tax Commission, Corporation Commission, the Oklahoma Health Care Authority, and Pharmacy Board, and he has presented oral arguments to the Oklahoma Supreme Court and its referees on numerous occasions.
Jett practiced for several high-profile law firms in Oklahoma City, including Gable Gotwals, Fellers Snider, and Crowe & Dunlevy, before returning to northwest Oklahoma to practice with the Hodgden Law Firm.
“I am humbled and honored by the governor’s trust,” Jett said. “It will be the privilege of a lifetime to serve on our state’s Supreme Court. I will approach my service with thoughtfulness, impartiality, and an unwavering commitment to the rule of law.”
In 2005, Jett was elected to serve as the National FFA President for the 490,000-member organization. He graduated from Oklahoma State University in 2008 with a Bachelor of Science in Agribusiness and earned his Juris Doctor from the Georgetown University Law Center in 2011.
“Growing up on a ranch near Slapout in the Oklahoma panhandle, I don’t think I would have believed that I would be honored with this high responsibility,” Jett said. “But here’s what I do know: I know that the lessons that I learned 190 miles northwest of here—things like honesty, integrity, humility, fairness—that’s what will guide my tenure on our state Supreme Court.”
Jett has been active in the legal community and earned numerous awards, including being named an Oklahoma Super Lawyer in 2022, 2023, and 2024. He became president of the Woodward County Bar Association in 2023. Jett has also been involved with the Oklahoma County Bar Association, the Oklahoma City Chapter of the Federal Bar Association, the Federalist Society, and the Oklahoma FFA Alumni Council.
Retired Oklahoma Supreme Court Justice Steven Taylor was among those praising Jett’s appointment.
“Travis Jett will be a great justice,” Taylor said. “Oklahoma can comfortably place total confidence in him to be fair and impartial. He is a leader, experienced and academically gifted.”
Legislative leaders also welcomed news of Jett’s selection.
“Travis Jett is an incredible pick for the Oklahoma Supreme Court and will serve our state well,” said House Speaker Kyle Hilbert, R-Bristow. “From his formative experience as state and national FFA president to his tenure as general counsel for the State Board of Education to his background in appellate and civil litigation, Travis brings a varied background with rural roots to the bench that complements the needs of our state today. He is a man of integrity, brings a unique perspective to the court and I look forward to working with him in his new capacity.”
“Governor Stitt’s appointment of Travis Jett to the Oklahoma Supreme Court reflects a strong commitment to judicial integrity,” said Senate President Pro Tem Lonnie Paxton, R-Tuttle. “He brings a wealth of legal experience and a deep understanding of both urban and rural issues. Jett’s broad legal expertise—from arguing before the Oklahoma Supreme Court to representing clients in matters ranging from oil and gas to regulatory compliance—makes him uniquely qualified for the state’s highest court. Jett’s legal acumen, public service and rural roots make him an exceptional addition to the Supreme Court. Governor Stitt’s selection ensures that the Oklahoma judiciary continues to be shaped by leaders of character, intellect and commitment to the rule of law.”
Business leaders also praised the appointment.
Chad Warmington, president/CEO of The State Chamber of Oklahoma, said Jett’s appointment “proves the governor values the rule of law and balance in Oklahoma’s judicial branch.”
“Jett understands the importance of a stable and predictable legal environment, which is essential for businesses to grow, invest, and create jobs across Oklahoma,” Warmington said. “His reputation for integrity, sound judgment, and adherence to the rule of law will help strengthen confidence in our judiciary and reinforce Oklahoma’s position as a state that welcomes economic opportunity and innovation.”
Jett and his wife, Emily, lead a young adult Bible study in Woodward, where they reside with their two children. The family attends Woodward First Methodist Church, where Jett is the chairman of the discipleship ministry team.
The Oklahoma Supreme Court will announce Jett’s swearing-in ceremony at a later date.
Under Oklahoma law, an unelected 15-member Judicial Nominating Commission (JNC) controls who gets nominated to serve on the Oklahoma Supreme Court.
The JNC announced on March 12 that the group had chosen three nominees from 14 applicants for the Oklahoma Supreme Court vacancy.
The three finalists advanced by JNC members were Jett, District Court Judge Jon Keith Parsley, and District Judge Donna Lynn Dirickson.
The governor is required to select one of the three candidates put forward by the JNC and cannot consider any other qualified individuals.