Guy Barker (politician) facts for kids

Guy Barker is a Quapaw-American leader and lawyer. He served as the Secretary-Treasurer for the Quapaw Nation from 2020 to 2022. In 2022, he also ran for a seat in the United States House of Representatives in Oklahoma. He was one of many candidates in the Republican primary election.

Guy Barker's Early Life and Education

Guy Barker is an eighth-generation Oklahoman. This means his family has lived in Oklahoma for a very long time. He went to Oklahoma State University–Stillwater. There, he earned a Bachelor of Science degree in biosystems and mechanical engineering. Later, he studied law at the Oklahoma City University School of Law. He earned a Juris Doctor degree, which is a law degree.

Guy Barker's Career and Public Service

Before he ran for public office, Guy Barker worked as an engineer. He was a petroleum engineer, which means he worked with oil and gas. He also worked as a lawyer.

Serving the Quapaw Nation

In 2020, Guy Barker decided to run for Secretary-Treasurer of the Quapaw Nation. He won the election, becoming the new Secretary-Treasurer. He ran his campaign alongside his cousin, Joseph Tali Byrd. Joseph Tali Byrd was elected as the Chairman of the tribe in the same election. Guy Barker took office at a time when the tribe was working to fix some financial issues.

While he was in office, Guy Barker worked on important projects for the Quapaw Nation.

• He helped settle a claim for damages against the United States. This claim was about damage to the Tar Creek area. The Quapaw Nation called this the "Bear Settlement."
• He helped improve the credit rating of the tribe's Saracen Casino Resort. This was done with help from companies like Moody’s Investors Service and S&P Global Ratings. A better credit rating means it's easier for the tribe to borrow money.
• He also helped rebuild the tribe's criminal justice system. This happened after the Quapaw reservation was officially re-established. This was a result of a court case called McGirt v. Oklahoma.
• In 2021, Guy Barker was recognized for his work. He was named "Tribal Executive of the Year."

Running for Congress in 2022

In 2022, Guy Barker decided to run for a seat in the United States House of Representatives. He wanted to represent Oklahoma's 2nd congressional district. The previous representative, Markwayne Mullin, was running for a different office. Guy Barker was one of many candidates in the Republican primary election. He finished in fifth place and did not move on to the next round of elections.

2022 Quapaw Nation Election

Guy Barker ran for re-election as Secretary-Treasurer of the Quapaw Nation in 2022. He ran against Kathryn "Wena" Supernaw. In the election held in July, Kathryn "Wena" Supernaw won.

Election Results