US Senator James Lankford (R-OK) today released the following statement following Chickasaw Nation Governor Bill Anoatubby’s announcement of his retirement. “Oklahoma and the Chickasaw Nation are both better today because of the service of Bill Anoatubby,” said Lankford. “For over four decades, he has led with honor, integrity, and the mantra of ‘what is good for the state of Oklahoma is good for the Chickasaw Nation and what is good for the Chickasaw Nation is good for the state of Oklahoma’. During Governor Anoatubby’s time in office, the Chickasaw Nation has utilized its sovereign authority to put in place countless health, educational, and economic resources benefiting not only the Chickasaw people but all Oklahomans. I’m grateful that during my time in office, I have been able to count Governor Anoatubby as a friend and someone I could call upon to talk through important issues impacting our state. He and Janice have more than earned this retirement together, and I know they look forward to many happy days together with the grandkids.”
Attorney General Gentner Drummond today issued the following statement after the announcement of Chickasaw Nation Gov. Bill Anoatubby’s resignation: “Gov. Anoatubby is one of the greatest governors – of any government – in Oklahoma history. His decades of service to the Chickasaw Nation and to all Oklahomans reflect a rare combination of vision, integrity and genuine dedication to the people he served. He leaves behind a legacy of prosperity and opportunity that speaks for itself. “As we witness the turning of this page, we welcome Gov. Chris Anoatubby as a partner at every level. His deep roots in the Nation, his distinguished record of service and his commitment to the Chickasaw people make clear that the Nation’s future is in good hands. “Oklahoma is a better place because of Bill Anoatubby’s service. His legacy will endure long after this chapter closes.”
Oklahoma House Democratic Leader Cyndi Munson, D-Oklahoma City, released the following statement recognizing Governor Bill Anoatubby’s over five decades of service to the Chickasaw Nation after he announced his retirement. “Throughout my entire career, Governor Anoatubby has been an incredible mentor and leader,” said Leader Munson. “He has committed decades of his life to serving our country as well as the Chickasaw Nation. I continue to be in awe of all of his accomplishments. He has enriched Oklahoma during his time serving the Chickasaw Nation, whether it be through business development, early childhood programs, health care, criminal justice, environmental protection, higher education, and more. During his ten consecutive terms as Governor, he has achieved several accolades for his remarkable leadership and entrepreneurship that has ultimately helped set Oklahoma up for success while taking great care of the Chickasaw Nation—and he’s done it all with admirable humility. I am honored to know him as a leader and as a friend. “Congratulations to the incoming Governor, Chris Anoatubby, who has already dedicated more than two decades of service to the Chickasaw Nation. I have no doubt you will continue to build upon Governor Anoatubby’s extraordinary work as you move forward in your new role as Governor. I am grateful for your friendship and look forward to working with you to continue our strong partnership and relationship with the state of Oklahoma and the Chickasaw Nation. “Congratulations to my friend, Governor Bill Anoatubby, who has worked tirelessly for over 50 years serving the Chickasaw Nation. May this next chapter be restful and fulfilling as you reflect on your legendary service to the Chickasaw Nation and state of Oklahoma.” Governor Bill Anoatubby began work for the Chickasaw Nation in 1975. In 1979, he was elected as the tribe’s first Lt. Governor. Governor Anoatubby was elected to his first term as Governor in 1987.
Oklahoma House Speaker Kyle Hilbert, R-Bristow, released the following statement after the announcement of Chickasaw Governor Bill Anoatubby’s retirement: “Governor Bill Anoatubby’s leadership has helped shape not only the future of the Chickasaw Nation, but the future of Oklahoma as a whole. For nearly four decades, he has modeled what visionary leadership for his tribe and our state looks like. Under his guidance, the Chickasaw Nation has become a model of economic growth, innovation, and opportunity. The partnership between the State of Oklahoma and our tribal nations is stronger because of leaders like Governor Anoatubby, who have always understood that when we work together, all Oklahomans benefit. Oklahoma’s future is brightest when tribal, state, and local leaders continue working together to create opportunity, strengthen our communities and ensure the next generation inherits a better state than the one we enjoy today. I look forward to working with Lt. Gov. Chris Anoatubby as we continue to move our state forward, together.”
Senate Pro Tem Lonnie Paxton, R-Tuttle, released the following statement after Chickasaw Nation Governor Bill Anoatubby announced his retirement. “Governor Bill Anoatubby’s leadership has left an indelible mark on both the Chickasaw Nation and the State of Oklahoma,” Pro Tem Paxton said. “Over the years, I have had the privilege of getting to know him not only as a respected leader, but as a friend. Whether touring the historic Silver City Cemetery in Tuttle, which shares deep ties to the Chickasaw Nation, or gathering around the dinner table with my wife, Misti and I, Governor Anoatubby has always been generous with his time, wisdom and friendship. “For decades, Governor Anoatubby has led with vision, integrity and an unwavering commitment to improving the lives of the Chickasaw people. His leadership has strengthened communities, expanded educational opportunities, driven economic growth and created lasting partnerships that have benefited all Oklahomans. The progress and prosperity seen throughout the Chickasaw Nation stand as a testament to his remarkable service. “While his retirement marks the end of an extraordinary chapter in Chickasaw Nation history, I want to congratulate Lieutenant Governor Chris Anoatubby on assuming the role as the next governor of the Chickasaw Nation. He is a proven leader who understands the values and vision that have guided the Chickasaw Nation’s success.”
Senate Democratic Leader Julia Kirt issued the following statement after Chickasaw Nation Gov. Bill Anoatubby announced his retirement. His resignation will be effective June 26, 2026, and Lt. Gov. Chris Anotubby will be sworn in as governor. “Governor Anoatubby has epitomized service, leadership, statesmanship, and vision as he led the Chickasaw nation into the 21st century. His work has benefited not only their citizens, but all the people of Oklahoma with wide-reaching investments in education, health care, transportation infrastructure, tourism, cultural preservation, businesses, and more. I am always amazed how Governor Anoatubby leveraged economic opportunities to invest back in the education and the health of Chickasaw people, which in turn builds a stronger, more sustainable economy for all. Under his leadership, the Chickasaw Nation is thriving, economically, politically, and culturally. “I congratulate Governor Anoatubby on his 50 years of strong service to the Chickasaw Nation and thank him for all he has done for our state, and I wish the very best to Lt. Governor Anoatubby as he prepares for his new role leading the Chickasaw Nation.”
