Gary Batton facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Gary Batton
Batton in 2015
Chief of the Choctaw Nation
Incumbent
Assumed office April 28, 2014
Deputy	Jack Austin
Preceded by	Gregory E. Pyle
Assistant Chief of the Choctaw Nation
In office May 31, 2007 – April 28, 2014
Leader	Gregory E. Pyle
Preceded by	Mike Bailey
Succeeded by	Jack Austin
Personal details
Born	(1966-12-15) December 15, 1966 (age 58) Wichita, Kansas, U.S.
Nationality	American Choctaw Nation
Political party	Republican
Spouse	Angela Batton
Children	2
Education	Southeastern Oklahoma State University (BA)

Gary Dale Batton (born December 15, 1966) is an important leader for the Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma. He is currently the 47th Chief of the Choctaw Nation. This tribe is one of the largest Native American tribes in the United States. It also has the second-largest reservation area.

Gary Batton became Chief on April 28, 2014. This happened after the previous Chief, Gregory E. Pyle, retired. In 2015, the people of the Choctaw Nation voted for him to be their Chief. He won with a large number of votes. He was re-elected for his second full term in 2019 without anyone running against him. In 2023, he was again re-elected for his third full term, also without opposition.

Early Life and Education

Gary Batton was born in Wichita, Kansas, on December 15, 1966. His mother was a full member of the Choctaw Nation. His family later moved to Oklahoma. He finished high school in Clayton, Oklahoma, in 1985.

He then went to Southeastern Oklahoma State University. In 1989, he earned a bachelor's degree in Business Management.

Starting Work with the Choctaw Nation

Gary Batton began working for the Choctaw Nation in 1987. His first job was as a clerk in the Purchasing Department. After finishing college, he became the deputy director of the Choctaw Nation Housing Authority. This role helped provide homes for tribal members.

Career as a Leader

In 1997, Gary Batton became the executive director of the Choctaw Nation Health Services Authority. In this role, he helped improve healthcare for the tribe. He worked to add and expand clinics. He also helped improve services for people needing support.

In May 2007, he was chosen as the Assistant Chief. This happened when the previous Assistant Chief, Mike Bailey, retired. Gary Batton served as Assistant Chief for many years.

Becoming Chief of the Choctaw Nation

When Chief Gregory E. Pyle retired in April 2014, Gary Batton was chosen by the tribal council to be the acting Chief. He had already worked for the Choctaw Nation for 17 years. This included 13 years as Assistant Chief.

On July 11, 2015, Gary Batton was officially elected as Chief. He was sworn in on September 7, 2015, for a four-year term. A Chief can be elected for many four-year terms. He was re-elected in 2019 and again in 2023. As Chief, he has worked with the United States government.

Important Issues and Decisions

As Chief, Gary Batton has dealt with several important issues. These issues often involve the rights and self-governance of the Choctaw Nation.

Tribal Citizenship Discussions

One important topic has been about who can be a citizen of the Choctaw Nation. Some people in the U.S. Congress have discussed this issue. Gary Batton believes that the tribe should decide its own rules for citizenship. He sees this as a matter of tribal sovereignty. This means the tribe has the right to govern itself.

Political Endorsements

Gary Batton is a registered Republican. However, in 2022, he joined other leaders of the Five Tribes. They supported a different candidate for governor of Oklahoma. This was a big step, as tribes usually stay neutral in state elections.

Marriage Rights Ruling

In May 2023, the Choctaw Constitutional Court made an important decision. The court ruled that all tribal members have the right to marry, no matter their gender. The court said that the tribal constitution should protect the rights of all citizens. Gary Batton supported this decision. He stated that the tribe offers "love and support to the family involved in this case."

Personal Life

Gary Batton lives in Clayton, Oklahoma, with his wife, Angie. They have two children and two grandchildren.

Elections