Ethics Commission reprimands Rep. Justin Humphrey for fundraising ask in Capitol video

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The Oklahoma Ethics Commission publicly reprimanded Rep. Justin “JJ” Humphrey today for posting a video on State Capitol grounds in which he requested donations for his lieutenant governor campaign.

Ethics Rule 2.6 states, “No person shall solicit or accept a contribution for a political party, a political action committee, a candidate or a state question campaign in any area of the State Capitol building under any circumstances.” Humphrey’s video posted on Facebook shows him on the Capitol’s front steps with the doors to the building directly behind him.

“I’m sick and tired of your money being stolen and put in this building,” Humphrey (R-Lane) said in the video, gesturing to the Capitol’s grand doors. “That’s why I’m running for lieutenant governor, is to return back your money. But I need your help. We have lobbyists, we have corporate and we have big money buying the votes to put people in this building. I need your help to win lieutenant governor. Can you donate $10, $15, $20? Help me get elected. JJ Humphrey, lieutenant governor.”

The video ends with a photo of Humphrey in front of the Capitol with overlaying text that says, in part, “Put JJ in the seat to stop the statewide corruption by donating $10/$100/$1000 TODAY!” Facebook does not keep timestamps on its Reels, but comments indicate the video was posted approximately four weeks ago.

While announcing campaigns on state property is permitted, the commission prevents soliciting or accepting contributions on any “space owned, leased, or occupied by the State of Oklahoma that ordinarily is used for the conduct of official state business.” A statement released by Ethics Commission executive director Lee Anne Bruce Boone said the rules against using state property to solicit campaign donations are “fundamental to maintaining a clear separation between official government functions and political activity.”

“As Oklahoma enters an active election season, the commission believes it is important to reinforce these standards and provide clarity to candidates and voters alike,” the statement released by Bruce Boone said.

The statement did not indicate whether Humphrey would face any fines or further disciplinary measures. Asked for comment, Humphrey said he thought there were other bigger ethical issues among those at the Capitol, but he acknowledged he was not previously aware of the rule, and he would not break it any further.

“I will say this, I think that our ethical department is doing a really, really good job. I think that they have really upped their game. You know, I think they are easier to work with. I still think we have massive, ridiculous regulations and too much regulation, and that we should reform the ethics, but at the end of the day, I mean, if this is a violation, we’ll hear it and we won’t do it anymore,” he said.

Humphrey noted in his 10 years of service as a legislator, this is his second violation, the first for filing a campaign report 24 hours late. He suggested he now has a new target on his back from his campaign for lieutenant governor.

“They do not want me — the leadership in the Capitol, and those that have the big, big money that are at the Capitol that are being controlled by lobbyists and other corporate entities, guess what? They do not want me, and they’re going to pull out every stop. And if this is the worst thing they can find on me, then I’d say that speaks volumes, and I’m doing pretty good,” Humphrey said.

Humphrey announced his lieutenant governor campaign in July 2025. His campaign page features a pop-up ad for merchandise shirts depicting Bigfoot with the caption, “Some Legends Are Real.” Humphrey faces former House Speaker T.W. Shannon, current state COO David Ostrowe, Sen. Darrell Weaver (R-Moore), Rep. Brian Hill (R-Mustang) and businessman Victor Flores.

(Update: This story was updated Friday, April 10, 2026, at 4:53 p.m. to include comments from Rep. Justin Humphrey.)

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