Andrew Hayes (Oklahoma)

Andrew Hayes (Republican Party) ran for election to the U.S. House to represent Oklahoma's 4th Congressional District. He lost in the Republican primary on June 18, 2024.

Hayes completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey in 2024. Click here to read the survey answers.

Biography

Andrew Hayes served in the U.S. Army National Guard from 2006 to 2008. He attended Cameron University and University of Oklahoma. His career experience includes working with The Goodyear Tire and Rubber Company and working in agriculture. He has been affiliated with The Ludwig von Mises Institute, The Foundation for Individual Rights and Expression, and Liberty Literature Foundation.^[1]

Elections

2024

Oklahoma's 4th Congressional District election, 2024 (June 18 Republican primary)

Oklahoma's 4th Congressional District election, 2024 (June 18 Democratic primary)

General election

General election for U.S. House Oklahoma District 4

Incumbent Tom Cole defeated Mary Brannon and James Stacy in the general election for U.S. House Oklahoma District 4 on November 5, 2024.

	Candidate	%	Votes
✔	Tom Cole (R)	65.2	199,962
	Mary Brannon (D)	28.3	86,641
	James Stacy (Independent)	6.5	19,870

	Incumbents are bolded and underlined. The results have been certified. Source	Total votes: 306,473
= candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey.
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Withdrawn or disqualified candidates

Austin Nieves (Independent)

Democratic primary election

Democratic primary for U.S. House Oklahoma District 4

Mary Brannon defeated Kody Macaulay in the Democratic primary for U.S. House Oklahoma District 4 on June 18, 2024.

	Candidate	%	Votes
✔	Mary Brannon	60.7	8,532
	Kody Macaulay	39.3	5,530

	There were no incumbents in this race. The results have been certified. Source	Total votes: 14,062
= candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey.
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Republican primary election

Republican primary for U.S. House Oklahoma District 4

Incumbent Tom Cole defeated Paul Bondar, Andrew Hayes, Rick Harris, and Nick Hankins in the Republican primary for U.S. House Oklahoma District 4 on June 18, 2024.

	Candidate	%	Votes
✔	Tom Cole	64.6	40,393
	Paul Bondar	25.8	16,127
	Andrew Hayes	4.1	2,551
	Rick Harris	3.5	2,171
	Nick Hankins	2.0	1,257

	Incumbents are bolded and underlined. The results have been certified. Source	Total votes: 62,499
= candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey.
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Endorsements

Ballotpedia did not identify endorsements for Hayes in this election.

Campaign themes

2024

Ballotpedia survey responses

Andrew Hayes completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey in 2024. The survey questions appear in bold and are followed by Hayes' responses. Candidates are asked three required questions for this survey, but they may answer additional optional questions as well.

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Who are you? Tell us about yourself.

I am a husband and father of 3. my Wife Katie is an LPN and I am a farmer and rancher. I served in the National Guard from 2006 to 2008.

I am an avid reader and focus on history and economics.

I filed to run because there was no other candidate running who would operate according to the Oklahoma Republican party platform, or defend the Constitution of the United States.

Please list below 3 key messages of your campaign. What are the main points you want voters to remember about your goals for your time in office?

The Federal Reserve must be audited and then abolished. Inflation is gutting the middle class, devastating the poor, and making it extremely difficult difficult for business owners to forecast! The Federal Reserve is the culprit. The Answer is to have sound money, such as gold. So that today's dollar won't lose value over the next 30 years like it has over the last 30 years! A sound money is at the very core of a free market system. Until we abolish the Federal Reserve, and stop the printing presses we continue to suffer the effects of inflation and the cyclical boom/bust business cycle.
Congress must stop spending money. This touches on so many areas. from sending money over seas to foreign powers, to funding unconstitutional agencies. It isn't enough to be America First, We must be America ONLY! Even if it was a just and holy cause to send money to the other side of the earth, we can not afford it. when the US government borrows money, it isn't borrowing real wealth, it is borrowing freshly printed money straight from the Federal Reserve! and again it contributes to inflation. Tom Cole talks a good game about cutting spending, but he is on the wrong side of every spending bill that goes through the house.
Lastly, and this ties in with the first two, we need to abolish unconstitutional agencies. I believe in the constitution, and I believe in the 10th amendment. the Department of education should be abolished along with dozens of other agencies. The Federal government should do the things that congress has tasked it to do, chiefly to repeal invasions like the one happening at our Southern border today.

What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?

Monetary policy, and limiting the government to its enumerated powers in the constitution. We also have a big problem with the government violating basic rights guaranteed by the bill of rights. Tom Cole voted against the 4th amendment FISA amendment, which would have required law enforcement to get warrants before wiretapping Americans' phones. The 2nd Amendment is under attack. And Tom Cole even attacks the 1st amendment with the Tik Toc Ban.

Is there a book, essay, film, or something else you would recommend to someone who wants to understand your political philosophy?

Jefferson's letters, Thomas Paine's writings, Murray N. Rothbard, Fredrick Bastiat's writings, and the CATO Letters have all influenced me. for more contemporary works I think if you were to read "Liberty Defined" by Ron Paul you would have a very good handle on where I stand on the issues. One might also listen to the Tom Woods Show, or the Brion McClanahan show, both are on YouTube. Of course I haven't yet found anyone I agree with 100% on everything, but these thinkers along with Ludwig von Mises have greatly shaped my philosophy.

What characteristics or principles are most important for an elected official?

Clearly an adherence to the constitution should top the list. But also an understanding of economics is key. I also think that a mere adherence to the constitution is not enough. Freedom of speech didn't just get written down one day. the colonists had a culture that appreciated hearing all sides of a debate and different points of view. it is that culture that gave rise to the first amendment. and I am afraid that if we lose that culture that the bill of rights more generally will become mere words on paper.

Its also important to have a Christian worldview. to acknowledge and recognize that man is fallen and sinful, and that governments are comprised of these fallen and sinful men, therefore governments can never be "good". and thus they can not be trusted with much power, they must be limited in scope and in power. This is an idea I share with our founders.

What qualities do you possess that you believe would make you a successful officeholder?

I am an avid Chess player, though no where near a grand master. But what I think is so important about Chess is that you have to be able to see where your opponent is coming from, you have to be able to see the board and the problems from his side of the board. If you cant do this, then all the planning and calculations are for naught. This translates into life and into working with those on the other side of the aisle in being able to see where they are coming from. Again, this isn't a case for compromise, certainly not on principles. I do not offer nor accept draws after only a dozen moves... but if you cant understand how your opponent thinks, your opponent will dominate you.

What do you believe are the core responsibilities for someone elected to this office?

Too many congressmen pass the laws they want and rely on the courts to think about the constitutionality of the laws they pass. This isn't right. It is everyone's job to oppose unconstitutional laws and legislation.

It is also incumbent on the congress to control the purse and to restrain a war hungry president.

What is the first historical event that happened in your lifetime that you remember? How old were you at the time?

I was one of the first kids in my school to find out about the OKC bombing. I was in the 5th grade and I heard about it because I was sitting in the principal's office when it happened. I think I was in his office more often than he was.

What is your favorite book? Why?

Fiction: The Count of Monte Christo by Alexandre Dumas To me the book is about vindication. and I do believe that God will vindicate his good and faithful servants.

I like RC Sproul for my theology because he is deeper than most and logically consistent.

My Favorite economic treatise is Man Economy and State by Rothbard.

and for a more philosophical work I like "Liberalism" by Ludwig von Mises.

I think two books that are critical are Jonathan Haidt's "The Righteous Mind" and JS Mill's "On Liberty"

What was the last song that got stuck in your head?

Rich Men North of Richmond by Oliver Anthony. To say it is stuck might not be the right way to put it. it is my anthem.

What qualities does the U.S. House of Representatives possess that makes it unique as an institution?

The US house is the backbone of the central government. without it no money can be spent, without the house, soldiers cant be sent overseas, nor can war be declared. It was the only body chosen directly by the people, and it has the shortest term because it is has the greatest impact on peoples lives.

Do you believe that it's beneficial for representatives to have previous experience in government or politics?

Under our current system, the honest answer is yes. but I don't think It was that way in the early days of the republic when we had adequate representation.

What do you perceive to be the United States’ greatest challenges as a nation over the next decade?

Inflation and the seemingly never ending desire to go to war. Inflation makes war possible and war grows the size of the government.

Do you believe that two years is the right term length for representatives?

I believe it was Robert Yates writing in the Anti Federalist papers who argued that 2 years was too long. I think he makes some very good points in arguing for a 12 month term. Less waiting around to vote out bad politicians, less time to forget the rotten things they have done. On the other hand off election years are a welcome respite from the political drama. I am thankful though that they are not 4 years as some of the federalists had advocated for.

What are your thoughts on term limits?

If the above issue were to be resolved in the manner described, I would be against term limits. I don't hold much hope for that. My second solution would be consecutive term limits, an individual is allowed to serve 2 terms and then must not hold any political office, elected nor appointed, nor can he work in an government agency or work as or for a lobbyist for 2 terms.. after which time he regains eligibility to run again for office. But I am told this sort of limit will never get the support in Congress. So then I am reduced to supporting conventional 3 term limits in the house. And I have signed a pledge to that effect.

Is there a particular representative, past or present, whom you want to model yourself after?

Ron Paul absolutely! I am also quite fond of Davy Crockett.
Its also worth mentioning that members like Thomas Massie have played a part in my decision to run. I don't believe I would ever try to go to Washington as Ron Paul did and try to be the lone voice of reason. The fact that there are a few like minded members in the house is a great comfort and encouragement to me.

Both sitting representatives and candidates for office hear many personal stories from the residents of their district. Is there a story that you’ve heard that you found particularly touching, memorable, or impactful?

It feels like the government is at war with us the people... they destroy the value of the dollar we earn and then demand we pay taxes on the dollars that are left. I don't know that I could ever pick out one.

Tell us your favorite joke.

My own original here. Q)" why do Christians walk in a single file line?" "I didn't know they did... Why?" A)"Narrow is the path and narrow is the gate that lead to life.." Matt 7.13-14

Do you believe that compromise is necessary or desirable for policymaking?

Yes. we compromise on preferences, but not on principles. I think the main thing is being able to listen and understand where the other side is coming from and acknowledging that they have a legitimate grievance. Such is the case with the Left wanting to increase the minimum wage. the inflation is killing the poor, and they are right to point that out. but increasing the minimum wage will only make getting a job for unskilled workers, and felons more difficult. The solution is to end the federal Reserve. so it isn't so much a matter of compromise, but showing those on the left that we have an answer to the problems that they care about.

The Constitution says that all bills for raising revenue must originate in the House. What role would this power play in your priorities if elected?

I think we should cut the budget, abolish unconstitutional agencies, cut waste, stop sending money over seas, and then abolish the Income tax and replace it with a revenue generating tariff. All just as Ron Paul has described many times.

How should the U.S. House use its investigative powers?

The truth in non partisan. Seeking the truth should be the goal, not political one ups man ship. First we should have an audit of the Federal Reserve. Regarding investigating people and their actions, today there are more democrats that need to be investigated, but I wouldn't shy away from investigating republicans either.

What committees interest you?

I would like to serve on the education committee to shut it down along with the department of education.

There is a committee on Taxation. The Republican party platform of Oklahoma calls for abolishing the Income tax, so I would very much like to do that.

The Financial services committee might be the place to try to get the ball rolling on abolishing the Federal Reserve, so I would like that one too. I just googled the list of committees in the house and I think I could cut government from almost any committee.

What are your views on financial transparency and government accountability?

I think the fatal flaw that we suffer under is found in Article 1 Section 2 of the constitution. it reads "..The Number of Representatives shall not exceed one for every thirty Thousand..." and it goes on... but no lower limit is ever set. It should have continued on to say that "there will be no less than 1 representative for every 60,000! " As it is written, our house of representatives is in compliance with the constitution. we have 1 representative for every 800,000 people. But its easy to see that this is unconstitutional in the sense of being against the spirit of the constitution. When you consider that the Federalist originally wanted one representative for every 80,000 and the Anti Federalist wanted a representative for every 15,000. We have gone from being a Republic to being an Oligarchy. and Tom Cole has no problem with this, he is happy to be one of the few.

I would seek to set our House right by increasing membership, ideally back to the 1 per 30,000 as was intended in the constitution. Besides giving us an actual Republic again, it would take money out of politics, at least on the House side. How much money does it take to get 15,000 votes versus 400,000? and how much money is necessary for each goal? If a candidates constituency is only 30,000 a the constitution intended, I wouldn't need to raise a dime and I think I would easily beat a man like Tom Cole in my town.

In one action I think we can attain accountability, and get money out of politics.

Note: Ballotpedia reserves the right to edit Candidate Connection survey responses. Any edits made by Ballotpedia will be clearly marked with [brackets] for the public. If the candidate disagrees with an edit, he or she may request the full removal of the survey response from Ballotpedia.org. Ballotpedia does not edit or correct typographical errors unless the candidate's campaign requests it.

Campaign finance summary

Note: The finance data shown here comes from the disclosures required of candidates and parties. Depending on the election or state, this may represent only a portion of all the funds spent on their behalf. Satellite spending groups may or may not have expended funds related to the candidate or politician on whose page you are reading this disclaimer. Campaign finance data from elections may be incomplete. For elections to federal offices, complete data can be found at the FEC website. Click here for more on federal campaign finance law and here for more on state campaign finance law.

Andrew Hayes campaign contribution history
Year	Office	Status	Contributions	Expenditures
2024*	U.S. House Oklahoma District 4	Lost primary	$0	N/A**
Grand total			$0	N/A**
Sources: OpenSecrets, Federal Elections Commission *This product uses the openFEC API but is not endorsed or certified by the Federal Election Commission (FEC).
* Data from this year may not be complete
** Data on expenditures is not available for this election cycle
Note: Totals above reflect only available data.

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Candidate

U.S. House Oklahoma District 4

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Footnotes

↑ Information submitted to Ballotpedia through the Candidate Connection survey on April 17, 2024

[show]

Oklahoma's current delegation to the United States Congress

Senators

James Lankford (R)

Markwayne Mullin (R)

Representatives

District 1

Kevin Hern (R)

District 2

Josh Brecheen (R)

District 3

Frank Lucas (R)

District 4

Tom Cole (R)

District 5

Stephanie Bice (R)

Republican Party (7)

[1] Information submitted to Ballotpedia through the Candidate Connection survey on April 17, 2024

[1]

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Andrew Hayes (Oklahoma)

Contents

Biography

Elections

2024

General election

General election for U.S. House Oklahoma District 4

Withdrawn or disqualified candidates

Democratic primary election

Democratic primary for U.S. House Oklahoma District 4

Republican primary election

Republican primary for U.S. House Oklahoma District 4

Endorsements

Campaign themes

2024

Ballotpedia survey responses

Campaign finance summary

See also

External links

Footnotes

Information about voting

2025 Elections

2026 Elections

2024 Election analysis

Trending

Public Policy

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