Shane Jett facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Shane Jett
Chair of the Oklahoma Freedom Caucus
Incumbent
Assumed office September 3, 2024
Preceded by	Position established
Member of the Oklahoma Senate from the 17th district
Incumbent
Assumed office January 11, 2021
Preceded by	Ron Sharp
Member of the Oklahoma House of Representatives from the 27th district
In office 2004–2010
Preceded by	Dale Smith
Succeeded by	Josh Cockroft
Personal details
Born	(1974-12-05) December 5, 1974 (age 50) Shawnee, Oklahoma, U.S.
Nationality	American Cherokee Nation
Political party	Republican
Spouse	Ana Jett
Children	3
Residences	Shawnee, Oklahoma, U.S.
Alma mater	Oklahoma Baptist University
Profession	Businessman, Educator, Legislator & former Navy Officer
Website	Senator Shane Jett

Shane David Jett (born December 5, 1974) is an American politician from Oklahoma. He is a member of the Republican Party and a citizen of the Cherokee Nation.

Jett serves as the state senator for Oklahoma's Senate District 17. This area includes parts of Pottawatomie and Oklahoma counties. Before becoming a senator, he was a member of the Oklahoma House of Representatives from 2004 to 2010. He has also worked as a businessman, teacher, and served as an officer in the U.S. Navy Reserve.

Early Life and Education

Shane Jett was born in Shawnee, Oklahoma. Growing up in Tecumseh, Oklahoma, he worked in his father's car repair shop. This experience taught him the value of hard work from a young age.

He later attended Oklahoma Baptist University, where he studied international business and Spanish. Jett is fluent in three languages. After college, he spent two years in Belo Horizonte, Brazil, working for a company called Global Options International.

Jett and his wife, Ana, who is from Brazil, live in Shawnee, Oklahoma, with their three daughters.

Political Career

Jett's career in politics has included serving in the state government, running for national office, and being involved in tribal government.

Oklahoma House of Representatives

In 2002, Jett first ran for the Oklahoma House of Representatives but narrowly lost. He didn't give up and ran again in 2004. This time, he won and became the first Republican ever to represent House District 27.

He was re-elected in 2006 and 2008 by large margins. During his time as a state representative, he also became an officer in the United States Navy Reserve, eventually retiring with the rank of lieutenant.

In 2009, Jett suggested a new design for the flag of Oklahoma. He wanted to add an exclamation point to the word "Oklahoma" to show state pride and encourage tourism.

Jett decided not to run for the House again in 2010. Instead, he ran for a seat in the U.S. Congress.

Campaigns for U.S. Congress

Jett ran for Oklahoma's 5th Congressional District seat in 2010 and again in 2014. During his campaigns, he focused on ideas like reducing government spending and creating a balanced federal budget. He also expressed his support for the Second Amendment, which relates to gun rights. In both elections, he did not win the Republican nomination.

Cherokee Nation and Federal Roles

As a citizen of the Cherokee Nation, Jett has also been active in tribal politics. He ran for a seat on the Council of the Cherokee Nation in 2015 and 2017.

In 2017, President Donald Trump appointed Jett to a special board for the U.S. Treasury. This board, called the CDFI Fund Community Development Advisory Board, works to support economic growth in communities. Jett served as its chairman.

Oklahoma Senate

In 2020, Jett ran for the Oklahoma State Senate. He won the election and took office in January 2021. As a state senator, he has introduced several bills.

Jett at the 2024 Hazlitt Summit hosted by the Young Americans for Liberty Foundation.

One of his well-known proposals was a bill to prevent the teaching of Critical race theory in Oklahoma schools. In 2023, he also proposed bills related to social-emotional learning and hiring practices at state colleges.

In one debate, Jett argued against a bill that would ban corporal punishment (physical discipline) for disabled students. He stated that such decisions should be made by parents working with their local schools.

In 2024, Jett was re-elected to the Senate. In September of that year, he was named the chairman of the new Oklahoma Freedom Caucus, a group of conservative lawmakers.

In April 2025, Jett authored a resolution to honor Russell M. Perry, a respected Oklahoma businessman, banker, and journalist known for his contributions to the state.

Electoral history

Oklahoma House of Representatives

2002

2004

2006

2008

U.S. Congress

2010

2014

Oklahoma State Senate

2020

2024