Rep. Justin Humphrey
I had the opportunity Feb. 2 to meet with Riley Rudder, of Fort Towson, who has been elected as the 4-H Junior Secretary of State for 2026, by the Oklahoma Kid Governor and 4-H Junior Governor programs through the Institute for Child Advocacy.
Riley, who attends Rattan Elementary School, was at the State Capitol to be sworn into office, and she requested a time to interview me. Riley said she was eager to learn more about the needs of her community and how she can raise awareness through her platform.
Riley’s mom and dad, Nikki and Weldon Rudder, her sister, Clara Rudder, and her grandparents Vernon and Shauna Wilson, also came to the Capitol with her.
It’s always a great pleasure to meet with a young person who is passionate about helping her community. This is how all good governance should start. Learning the needs of those who live near you and then doing what you can to help them. I’m hopeful Riley will carry this experience with her and turn it into a lifetime of service, whether public or private.
The Oklahoma Kid Governor program bring civics education to fifth graders throughout the state, teaching them the importance of democracy and the role they play in it and giving them the opportunity to participate in a statewide election. The Oklahoma 4-H Junior Governor Program brings together fourth-, fifth- and sixth-graders to learn about state government.
In her role, Riley will be working alongside other youth leaders elected from across the state. At Christmas, she participated in a gathering at the Rattan Senior Center where she helped serve Christmas dinner, greeted guests, collected donations and handed out goodies to those that attended.
I’m grateful for the opportunity to meet Riley, and I’ll be cheering her progress as she participates in the 4-H Junior Governor program this year.