Leadership that works
Meet Ed Bolt
Ed Bolt is a longtime community leader, former mayor, and small business owner running for the Oklahoma State Senate to bring practical leadership and real results to District 17.
A resident of Pottawatomie County and a familiar face in local government, Bolt previously served the people of Shawnee as both City Commissioner and Mayor. During his time in office, he built a reputation for bringing people together, focusing on solutions rather than politics, and helping move the community forward.
Before entering public service, Bolt spent decades working in the private sector, including a successful career as a Regional Sales Manager for AT&T. After retiring, he continued serving his community as a small business owner, gaining firsthand experience with the challenges families and entrepreneurs face in today’s economy.
“Public service is about solving problems and helping people. My career has always been about bringing people together, managing real challenges, and getting things done.”
Bolt’s campaign is focused on strengthening the foundations that help families succeed. His priorities include improving Oklahoma’s public education system, expanding access to affordable housing, and addressing the shortage of quality childcare that prevents many parents from fully participating in the workforce.
He also believes that rural communities must remain central to Oklahoma’s future. Senate District 17 includes many small towns with deep history and strong local identity, and Bolt says they deserve targeted economic development and access to reliable healthcare services.
“Our rural towns are part of what makes this district special. We need to pursue economic revitalization strategies that allow these communities to prosper while protecting what makes them unique.”
Bolt is also committed to strengthening partnerships with the tribal nations located within the district and ensuring their sovereignty and contributions are respected.
“We are fortunate to share this district with several tribal nations. They are valued neighbors and partners, and I will always work collaboratively and respectfully to strengthen our shared communities.”
Throughout his career, Bolt has focused on putting people before politics. He believes Oklahoma’s progress has been slowed by excessive partisanship and is committed to working across differences to achieve meaningful results.
“My experience as mayor taught me that progress happens when we focus on solutions, not division. I’m running to bring that same spirit of cooperation to the State Senate.”
PLATFORM
Lowering Cost of Living
Lowering Cost of Living
Lowering Cost of Living
Oklahomans shouldn’t have to worry about choosing between paying their rent or putting food on the table. The cost of living has gotten out of control for far too many and wages are not keeping up. We have to do better to support working families. We need policies that will address the rising cost of housing, insurance, child care and what it takes just to get by.
Improving Education
Lowering Cost of Living
Lowering Cost of Living
Ryan Walters left in his wake damage to our schools and the students they serve that will take years to repair. His power remained unchecked and drove Oklahoma to the bottom in the nation for education. Now we have to rebuild to prioritize increasing teacher pay, investing in intervention and other strategies that will help our students read on grade level, including smaller class room sizes, after school programming, mental health support for children, stop unfunded mandates and end the absurd practice of sending public school funds to private schools.
Government Reform
People Over Politics
People Over Politics
From taking power away from voters to operating in the dark behind closed doors. Politicians have proven time and again, they are in it for themselves. We must demand accountability and reform the legislative process so that the government works for everyday people and not just powerful millionaires funding the campaigns of those in office.
People Over Politics
People Over Politics
People Over Politics
For far too long the Oklahoma government has prioritized partisan politics over the people. Together, we can put people first and stop letting politics get in the way of serving our Oklahoma families.