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Troy Green (Oklahoma)
Troy Green (Democratic Party) is running for election to the U.S. Senate to represent Oklahoma. He declared candidacy for the 2026 election.[source]
Green completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey in 2025. Click here to read the survey answers.
Biography
Troy Green was born in Dallas, Texas. Green's career experience includes working as a entrepreneur. He earned an associate degree from Murray State College in 2023 and a bachelor's degree from Oklahoma City University in 2024.[1]
Green has been affiliated with the following organizations:[1]
- Safe Haven Oklahoma
- VFW Riders & Patriot Guard Riders
- Oklahoma Private Investigators Association & Advocating for Professional Standards & Industry Ethics
- United States Muay Thai Association
- Oklahoma Bondsman Association
- National Association of Realty
- The National Society of Leadership and Success
- Sigma Tau Delta International English Honors Society
- Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society"
Elections
2026
See also: United States Senate election in Oklahoma, 2026
General election
The general election will occur on November 3, 2026.
General election for U.S. Senate Oklahoma
Incumbent Markwayne Mullin, Troy Green, N'Kiyla Thomas, and Tammy Swearengin are running in the general election for U.S. Senate Oklahoma on November 3, 2026.
Candidate | ||
 | Markwayne Mullin (R) | |
 | Troy Green (D)  | |
 | N'Kiyla Thomas (D) | |
| Tammy Swearengin (R) | ||
| ||||
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Endorsements
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2012
Green ran in the 2012 election for Oklahoma House District 27. Green was defeated by Randy R Gilbert in the Democratic primary on June 26.[2][3][4][5][6]
| Candidate | Vote % | Votes |
|---|---|---|
 Randy R. Gilbert |
76.6% | 819 |
| Troy Green | 23.4% | 250 |
| Total Votes | 1,069 | |
Campaign themes
2026
Ballotpedia survey responses
See also: Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection
Troy Green completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey in 2025. The survey questions appear in bold and are followed by Green's responses. Candidates are asked three required questions for this survey, but they may answer additional optional questions as well.
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I have served my community in various capacities, including as a law enforcement officer and for over 30 years as a bail agent, investigator, martial arts instructor, and advocate for at-risk youth. I’ve worked in courtrooms, jails, neighborhoods, and living rooms, helping people navigate some of the most difficult moments of their lives. I’ve seen firsthand what happens when systems fail everyday people, and I’ve also seen what people can accomplish when someone simply stands beside them instead of above them.
I earned my bachelor’s degree in History with a minor in English, and am currently in graduate school in Criminal Justice. Education didn’t come easy or early in life; it came when I fought for it. And I bring that same effort to everything I do.
I’m a husband, a father, a coach, a mentor, and someone who believes that public service is a responsibility, not a career path.
I’m running because I know what it means to struggle, to rebuild, and to rise. I believe our government should reflect the lived experiences of real people, not just those of the wealthy and well-connected.- I am not backed by billionaires or corporate lobbyists, I am powered by lived experiences. Oklahoma families deserve leaders who put people before politics. Too many of us live one emergency away from financial ruin, stuck with poor healthcare access, underfunded schools, and wages that don’t keep up with the cost of living. I will fight for affordable healthcare, strong public schools, fair wages, childcare, and real support for parents, especially those raising children with disabilities. I know firsthand what it’s like to struggle and be overlooked, and that’s why I won’t stop until every Oklahoma family has the resources, dignity, and opportunity they deserve.
- Teachers, nurses, and working families keep Oklahoma running, but too often they’re undervalued, underpaid, and burned out. I’ve seen it firsthand as a father, small business owner, and advocate. We need leaders who respect and invest in those who serve us daily. I will fight for better pay, safer workplaces, and policies that reduce burnout and lift up our communities. Supporting those on the front lines, educators shaping our children’s future, healthcare workers caring for our loved ones, and working families holding it all together, means building a healthier, stronger, and more prosperous Oklahoma.
- To focus on supporting a stable and sustainable economy by strengthening local businesses, expanding workforce development, and improving access to job training and education. My perspective comes from working directly with individuals and families facing financial challenges, as well as small business owners balancing daily operational demands. I emphasize practical approaches that help people secure and maintain employment, encourage entrepreneurship, and reduce barriers that limit economic mobility. My goal is to support an economy where individuals, families, and local communities have the tools they need to succeed.
But there is one public figure whose example I genuinely respect: The late Senator John McCain. What I admire most about McCain is not that he was perfect, but that he lived his values openly and consistently. He showed courage, in uniform, in captivity, and in public office. He demonstrated independence, even when it cost him politically. And he believed that service was about something greater than party, ambition, or personal gain.
McCain reminded the country that leadership requires both toughness and humility. He could fight fiercely for what he believed in yet still reach across the aisle when the country needed unity. He understood sacrifice in a way few do, and he carried that experience into every decision he made. His commitment to veterans, to democratic principles, and to putting country above ego is something I deeply respect.
Empathy matters because effective leadership requires an understanding of the real lives of the people you represent. Too often, politicians become disconnected from the daily struggles of Oklahoma working families. I know what it means to go hungry, to grow up in foster care, and to feel overlooked. Those experiences taught me to listen before speaking and to understand before making a decision. Policy should be grounded in compassion and in the belief that every person deserves dignity and the opportunity to thrive.
Courage is also essential. Leaders must be willing to stand up for what is right, even when it is unpopular or comes at a personal or political cost. Real leadership means taking difficult positions, challenging systems that leave people behind, and refusing to look the other way.
A Senator also has a constitutional duty of oversight, holding government agencies, the executive branch, and even fellow legislators accountable. Too often, politicians allow power and influence to go unchecked. It is the responsibility of a Senator to shine a light on corruption, demand transparency, and ensure that taxpayer dollars are spent wisely and responsibly.
Equally important is service to constituents. A Senator must be accessible, responsive, and connected to the people they represent. That means listening to families, veterans, teachers, farmers, small business owners, and workers across Oklahoma, and ensuring their voices inform decisions in Washington. Representation is not about speeches and titles, it’s about being a bridge between the daily struggles of Oklahomans and the halls of power in the Capitol.
Another responsibility is to safeguard national security and protect the men and women who serve our country. For me, that includes ensuring our veterans receive the care, resources, and respect they deserve when they return home. Defense does not end on the battlefield; it extends to how we honor and care for those who have sacrificed for us.
I want to be remembered as someone who cared enough to stand up when it mattered, who told the truth even when it wasn’t easy, and who fought for people who didn’t have anyone else fighting for them. I want future generations, especially kids who grew up like I did, to know that their past does not disqualify them from leadership. In fact, it can become the foundation of it.
I would like my legacy to be that I helped restore trust in public service by showing that compassion and accountability can coexist, and that government should work for everyday people, not the privileged few. I want to leave behind policies that strengthened public education, honored and protected our veterans, supported families, safeguarded children from exploitation, and gave working people a fair shot.
The Hostage Crisis dominated the news for more than a year, and those nightly updates left a lasting impression on me. Even as a kid, I sensed the fear, frustration, and uncertainty that so many families were feeling. It also taught me something important about leadership and responsibility. Decisions made by governments and world leaders have real consequences for ordinary people, families, workers, and children watching from their living rooms trying to make sense of what’s happening.
That early memory helped shape how I think about public service today. It reminded me that our country’s actions matter on the world stage and that leaders must approach international conflict with seriousness, integrity, and a concern for human life. It also showed me how deeply national events impact the everyday lives of Americans, even those far removed from politics.
In one of my foster homes at age thirteen I learned how to cut, rake, and bail hay, run a wheat combine, grind feed, and work cattle. Although I did not get paid, it was the first time in my life I learned to be proud of something, my labor and a job well done.
My first real paycheck was the week I worked on a highway crew tying steel at age 17 after leaving high school due to homelessness. As soon as I got my first check, I ate a huge meal and migrated to a bigger town to look for other work. Once I got where I was going, I would go by this mom-and-pop grocery store every Monday and beg the owner for work. He finally hired me to clean the meat market three nights a week for $5 a night. I was still sleeping under bridges and train trestles at the time. Eventually, he let me work on Saturdays bagging groceries. The guys in the meat market took a liking to me and started showing me how to cut and package meat. After one of the butchers quit, the other convinced the owner to move me to the meat market as an assistant butcher for $3.35 an hour. Even though I was doing the same work it was way less than the butcher made. Nevertheless, with a $110 take home every week, I finally gathered enough to rent my first efficiency apartment and get off the streets.
That truth resonates with me. I spent my childhood in foster care and survived abuse, being shot, and other circumstances that should have broken me. Many people would call that a “bad deal,” but like Socrates, I never viewed hardship as punishment. I saw it as preparation. Every struggle forced me to become more honest with myself about who I was, what I stood for, and what kind of life I intended to build.
Socrates believed that the purpose of life was the pursuit of truth, even when that pursuit demanded sacrifice. For him, personal development wasn’t about comfort or praise, it was about fulfilling one’s destiny with integrity, even when the cost was everything. That understanding of truth, responsibility, and moral courage has shaped my own path.
I’m running for the U.S. Senate with that same conviction. I’m not here to play political games or make decisions based on what protects a career. I’m here to do what is right, even when it is difficult. Socrates taught that the greatest danger is not death or defeat, but abandoning your principles.
Ironically, the first steps toward finding myself came from helping others survive theirs. In lifting people up, I began to see the parts of myself that were worth saving too. But it wasn’t until I stepped onto the martial arts mat as a teacher and coach that I truly started understanding who I was. In that studio, I couldn’t live through anyone else. I had to confront my own limitations, build my own discipline, and earn my own respect. Martial arts gave me a place where identity wasn’t something handed to me, it was something I had to build day after day.
Second, our democracy itself is under strain. Polarization, disinformation, and efforts to restrict voting threaten the foundations of our system. We must strengthen trust in our institutions, ensure fair elections, and remind Americans that our common values are stronger than partisan divides.
Third, healthcare remains one of our most urgent crises. Costs continue to rise while millions remain uninsured or underinsured. Without bold action, families will continue to face bankruptcy simply for getting sick.
Fourth, we must confront global challenges, from national security threats to climate change. The next decade will test our ability to protect our country, build strong alliances, and respond to environmental changes that already affect farmers, families, and communities across Oklahoma.
Another major challenge is ensuring that our veterans and service members receive the care and respect they deserve. Far too many come home to inadequate healthcare and support. Addressing this is not optional—it is a moral obligation.
Finally, accountability in government will be critical. People are tired of politicians putting party and special interests above the public good. Restoring trust in government will require honesty, transparency, and leaders who are willing to put people above politics.
At the same time, term limits alone do not address the advantages that come from access to significant financial resources in campaigns. Candidates with substantial funding support often start with major advantages in visibility and influence, which can make it difficult for newer or less-connected individuals to compete. Reducing the influence of large financial contributions in elections would help make political participation more accessible to a wider range of people.
Some point to elections as a natural check, but incumbency offers structural benefits such as name recognition and established donor networks. Term limits would help balance this by opening opportunities for new leadership and ideas. This applies to both the House and Senate, where extended tenure can lead to systems that are slow to change.
In my view, term limits and campaign finance reform should be complementary. Term limits encourage generational turnover and accountability, while reducing the role of large financial influence helps ensure that political participation is not limited to those with substantial resources. This combination supports a government where service is temporary and responsibility to the public remains central.
The Senate also has unique constitutional powers. It confirms presidential appointments to the courts, military leadership, and federal agencies. It ratifies treaties with foreign nations and plays a central role in shaping U.S. foreign policy. In moments of national crisis or debate over war and peace, the Senate’s voice carries special weight.
Another quality that makes the Senate distinct is its tradition of extended debate and deliberation. The Senate was intended to slow down hasty legislation, encourage dialogue, promote compromise, and facilitate careful review. While this can sometimes lead to gridlock, it also reflects the belief that laws affecting millions of Americans should not be rushed through without thorough debate.
The Senate’s smaller size also fosters closer working relationships between members, and ideally, it should encourage bipartisanship and collaboration across party lines. While polarization has challenged this ideal, the Senate remains one of the few places where compromise is not only possible but necessary for progress.
Ultimately, what makes the Senate unique is its dual role as both a representative body for each state and a guardian of the long-term stability of the Republic. It has the power to check the executive branch, shape the federal judiciary, and ensure that all states, whether rural or urban, large or small, have an equal stake in the laws that govern our nation.
There is value in understanding how government works, how legislation moves, and how to navigate the process effectively. However, that knowledge is not unique to career politicians. Business owners, veterans, teachers, community leaders, and advocates bring a wealth of experience that can be just as valuable, sometimes even more so, because they understand firsthand the real-world impact of policies debated in Washington.
In fact, the Senate was designed to include diverse voices and perspectives, not just those who have spent their lives in politics. Our system works best when people from all walks of life, farmers, workers, parents, veterans, are able to bring their experiences into the lawmaking process. That diversity creates balance and ensures that the Senate truly reflects the nation it serves.
For me, the benefit of not being a career politician is that I bring lived experience. I know what it means to live in Oklahoma and struggle, to work multiple jobs, to raise a family, and to fight for fairness. That perspective is valuable in itself. At the end of the day, experience matters, but what matters more is character, courage, and a willingness to put people over politics.
However, in practice, the filibuster has been abused too often. It has been used not as a tool for compromise but as a weapon of obstruction, blocking urgent legislation on civil rights, healthcare, voting rights, and other issues vital to working Oklahomans. Instead of fostering cooperation, it has frequently produced gridlock, leaving critical challenges unresolved while Americans continue to struggle.
I believe every rule in the Senate should serve the people, not politicians. If the filibuster prevents progress on basic issues like protecting democracy, ensuring fair wages, or improving healthcare, then it is failing in its purpose. Rules should encourage debate, but they should not allow a small minority to permanently stall the will of the majority.
That said, eliminating the filibuster outright could also carry risks. The Senate was designed to be deliberative, and some mechanism for slowing down hasty legislation has value. If reforming the filibuster can preserve debate while preventing abuse, that may be the best balance. Options like requiring Senators to physically hold the floor and speak, rather than using silent filibusters, could restore accountability to the process.
Ultimately, I believe the filibuster should never be used as an excuse for inaction. The people of Oklahoma sent their Senators to Washington to solve problems, not hide behind procedure. Whether through reform or replacement, the Senate must ensure its rules empower progress and keep government working for the people.
My life experiences, growing up in foster care and on the streets, working my way up through service, business, and community leadership, have shaped me into the person I am today. I know what it’s like to be hungry, to be overlooked, and to fight for a better life. Those experiences give me a perspective that no Senator, past or present, could provide for me.
That doesn’t mean I won’t learn from others. I will always be willing to listen, study history, and seek wisdom from colleagues, past leaders, and everyday people alike. But my decisions will be guided by my own principles: integrity, accountability, compassion, and the belief that government should serve the people, not special interests.
Too many politicians go to Washington trying to fit into someone else’s mold. My goal is to break that mold. I don’t want to be remembered as “the next” anyone, I want to be remembered as the first Troy W. Green, a Senator who fought for working families, cared for veterans, protected children, and always put people above politics.
I admire qualities in leaders who came before me, but I will not model myself after any single Senator. I will bring my own toughness, compassion, and lived experience to the job because Oklahoma doesn’t need a copy of someone else; it needs a voice that is authentic, grounded, and unafraid to fight for what’s right.
First, I would look at qualifications and competence. A nominee should demonstrate a strong knowledge of the law, a record of fairness, and the ability to interpret the Constitution and statutes faithfully. Experience in the courtroom, legal scholarship, or public service matters—but what matters most is whether they can apply the law with clarity and consistency.
Second, I would examine integrity and independence. A judge must be impartial, free from corruption, and committed to upholding the rule of law rather than being influenced by political agendas. I would not support a nominee who puts partisanship, ideology, or special interests above justice. The role of a judge is not to legislate from the bench, but to apply the law fairly to all, regardless of wealth, status, or background.
Third, I would consider their respect for fundamental rights. Our courts are often the last line of defense for individual freedoms, civil rights, and equal protection under the law. I would ask whether a nominee’s record shows a commitment to upholding these principles for all Americans.
Finally, transparency in the confirmation process is essential. Nominees must be willing to answer tough questions openly and honestly. If a nominee refuses to engage in a fair and thorough review of their record and philosophy, that raises serious concerns.
My first priority would be to seek common ground. Even in a divided political environment, some issues should transcend partisanship, such as supporting veterans, strengthening infrastructure, combating human trafficking, improving public safety, and expanding access to healthcare. By focusing on shared priorities, it is possible to make progress that benefits the American people.
I would also be direct and transparent in my work. I will not agree with every Senator, but I will always be clear about where I stand and why. Trust is the foundation of working relationships, and trust is built through honesty and consistency.
Listening would be another central part of my approach. Senators represent different states with unique challenges, and understanding those perspectives is necessary for shaping fair and effective policy. I would bring Oklahoma’s voice to Washington, while also recognizing the value of learning from others.
Finally, I believe respect and civility are essential. Disagreement should not mean disrespect. Politics today is often reduced to division and rhetoric, which weakens the Senate’s ability to solve problems. My goal would be to lead with civility while working to build bipartisan coalitions focused on practical, lasting solutions. The people expect the government to work, and that is the standard I would bring to the Senate.
Compromise does not mean weakness. It means recognizing that we live in a diverse nation with different needs and perspectives, and that governing requires striking a balance among those interests. Without compromise, we are left with gridlock, where urgent problems, like healthcare costs, education, veterans’ care, and infrastructure, go unaddressed while families continue to struggle.
That said, compromise should never come at the expense of fairness, justice, or the well-being of the people. I will never “compromise” on basic human dignity, protecting constitutional rights, or ensuring that working families are treated with respect. There are lines I will not cross. However, within those guardrails, I am committed to building coalitions and working with anyone—whether Democrat, Republican, or Independent, if it means delivering real results for Oklahomans.
The American people are tired of politicians who prioritize scoring points over solving problems. Compromise, when rooted in honesty and good faith, is how progress is made. It’s how we can strengthen schools, lower healthcare costs, improve public safety, and rebuild trust in government. I believe leaders must bring both toughness and openness to the table: toughness to stand firm on values, and openness to find common ground where it exists. That balance is what makes policy-making work.
First, the Senate should utilize its investigative powers to expose and eliminate corruption, waste, and abuse. Taxpayer dollars belong to the people, and Oklahomans deserve to know their money is being spent wisely. When agencies, corporations, or individuals misuse public funds or betray the public trust, the Senate has a duty to investigate and hold them accountable.
Second, the Senate should use investigations to ensure transparency in government operations and decision-making. Whether it’s foreign policy, public safety, healthcare, or economic programs, the public deserves clarity on how decisions are made and how those decisions affect their lives. Investigations can shine a light on problems that would otherwise remain hidden.
Third, investigative powers should be utilized to safeguard the rights and security of the American people. That means examining issues like corporate misconduct, civil rights violations, threats to national security, or failures to provide proper care to veterans. These inquiries help shape better laws and prevent future harm.
Second, I would look for integrity and accountability. Cabinet officials wield enormous power, and that power must be exercised with honesty and transparency. I would not support nominees who have a history of corruption, abuse of authority, or loyalty to special interests over the public good. Every appointee should be committed to upholding the Constitution and serving the people, not partisan or personal agendas.
Third, I would evaluate their independence and judgment. A Cabinet official must be willing to give honest advice to the President, not simply act as a rubber stamp. They should be able to make tough decisions in the best interest of the country, even when those decisions may be politically difficult.
Fourth, I would consider their track record on fairness and respect for the people they will serve. For example, an Education Secretary should demonstrate a commitment to strengthening public schools, not dismantling them. A Labor Secretary should be prepared to stand with workers, not undermine their rights. Each nominee should reflect the value of fairness, equity, and service to the American people.
Finally, I believe nominees must be willing to answer hard questions. The confirmation process is not a formality—it is a test of whether they are prepared to lead with accountability. If a nominee cannot or will not be transparent with the Senate and the public, they do not deserve the role.
Her story struck me because it reflects something I’ve seen too often in Oklahoma: people doing everything right, working hard their whole lives, only to fall through the cracks when they need help the most. Her situation wasn’t the result of bad decisions; it was the result of a safety net stretched too thin and a process that treats people like case numbers instead of human beings.
What moved me most was her strength. Even after losing almost everything, she still spoke with dignity and determination. She wasn’t bitter; she was tired. And she reminded me of why I’m running for the U.S. Senate: to fight for people who have been pushed aside, ignored, or forgotten by a system that was supposed to protect them.
Doing that required more discipline, humility, and sacrifice than any job I’ve ever held. Like any parent, I wasn’t perfect, it meant unlearning the patterns I grew up with, swallowing my pride, and showing up for my children in ways no one ever showed up for me. It meant doing the emotional work, not just the physical work, choosing patience over anger, stability over chaos, and responsibility over excuses.
First, the government should set clear standards for safety, transparency, and accountability in AI. Just as we regulate industries like aviation, medicine, and finance to protect the public, we must do the same with AI. Algorithms should not be “black boxes” that make life-changing decisions without oversight.
Second, the government should protect workers and communities as AI transforms the economy. That means investing in job training, supporting industries that use technology responsibly, and ensuring AI is a tool to empower workers rather than replace them unfairly. The benefits of AI should be shared broadly, not concentrated in the hands of a few corporations.
Third, AI raises serious ethical and security questions. We must prevent its misuse in areas like surveillance, election interference, or autonomous weapons. The government should collaborate with allies to establish international standards that limit abuse and safeguard human rights.
Fourth, the U.S. should also invest in innovation. If we fail to lead in AI research and development, other nations will set the standards of the future. That leadership must come with responsibility: encouraging creativity while ensuring safeguards are in place.
Ultimately, the role of the government is to strike a balance, supporting innovation while protecting people. AI should serve humanity, not the other way around. With thoughtful regulation, investment in workers, and a commitment to ethics, the United States can harness the promise of AI while guarding against its risks.
This could include ensuring that voter registration systems are accurate and up-to-date, expanding early voting options to reduce long lines and administrative strain, and supporting secure, verifiable voting systems. I would also support improving election worker training and providing local election offices with the necessary funding and technological resources to operate effectively.
Additionally, I believe that election districts should be drawn through independent or nonpartisan processes to prevent conflicts of interest and ensure fair representation. The goal of election administration policy should be to promote trust in the democratic process and to ensure that elections are accessible, secure, and run with integrity.
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Campaign finance summary
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See also
2026 Elections
External links
Footnotes
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 Information submitted to Ballotpedia through the Candidate Connection survey on December 22, 2025
- ↑ Oklahoma State Election Board, "Candidates for State Elective Office 2012," April 13, 2012
- ↑ Oklahoma State Election Board, "Official Primary Election Results— June 26, 2012," July 6, 2012
- ↑ Oklahoma State Election Board, "Runoff Primary Election Results— August 28, 2012," accessed May 25, 2014
- ↑ Oklahoma State Election Board, "General Election Results— November 6, 2012," accessed May 25, 2014
- ↑ Oklahoma State Board of Elections, "Official 2012 Primary Results," June 26, 2012
