Ben Riggs HD 71

Growing up, I developed a passion for public service and helping others reach their full potential. Inspired by the values instilled in me by my grandfather—hard work, integrity, and a commitment to defending the rights of all people—I have dedicated my life to serving my community. I have been happily married for ten years and am the proud father of three children. My love for both my family and my community fuels my work and shapes my vision for a better Oklahoma. For the past eight years, I have taught social studies in a public school, where I have seen firsthand the challenges facing Oklahoma’s education system. As both an educator and an advocate, I have witnessed how inadequate school funding and the lack of support for meaningful educational reforms have contributed to poor outcomes for students. These issues not only harm our children’s futures but also limit economic opportunities and contribute to social instability across our state. I am committed to addressing the root causes of these challenges, including the pressures placed on teachers, the unfair and baseless attacks and criticisms educators face, and the ripple effects on our community. I truly believe that improving education is the key to unlocking Oklahoma’s economic potential, reducing homelessness, lowering incarceration rates, and addressing the mental health and substance abuse crises in our state.