House Democratic Leader Suspends Rep. Ajay Pittman Amid Fraud Probe

UPDATE: House Democratic Leader Cyndi Munson has officially suspended Rep. Ajay Pittman amid a serious ongoing investigation into allegations of fraud. This urgent decision comes just days after the Oklahoma Ethics Commission filed a lawsuit accusing Pittman of significant misconduct, prompting a wave of calls for accountability.

The allegations against Pittman, a Democratic representative from Oklahoma City, stem from a formal investigation initiated by the Ethics Commission last week. The commission’s lawsuit reveals troubling violations, including a failure to reimburse campaign funds. Previously, in 2024, Pittman settled with the Ethics Commission over multiple campaign finance violations, agreeing to pay $35,000 in fines and reimbursements.

Specifically, the lawsuit details that Pittman allegedly paid $5,000 in August of 2024 and submitted a check for $2,500 in January 2025. However, the Ethics Commission has now determined that this payment was never actually deposited into the intended campaign account, raising further concerns about her financial practices.

As the investigation unfolds, Pittman has been suspended from all activities related to the House Democratic Caucus, including her membership and all assigned House committees. Republican House Speaker Kyle Hilbert confirmed that Pittman has also been removed from her position on the Tribal-State Committee.

In a statement addressing the situation, Munson emphasized the severity of the allegations. She stated, “While we maintain that everyone is innocent until proven guilty, the allegations regarding Rep. Ajay Pittman are severe enough that action was warranted.” Munson further indicated that the House Democratic Caucus is committed to transparency and accountability, reiterating their focus on serving the constituents of Oklahoma.

This developing story highlights the critical importance of ethical conduct in public office and the swift actions being taken to address potential misconduct. As the investigation by the Attorney General continues, both the public and lawmakers await further updates regarding Pittman’s status and the implications for the Oklahoma House.

Stay tuned for more updates as this situation evolves, as the outcomes could significantly impact the political landscape in Oklahoma.