Garvin sworn in as state senator

December 17, 2020

Jessica Garvin is now officially on the job as the State Senator for District 43.  The Duncan Republican was sworn in by Oklahoma State Supreme Court Chief Justice Noma Gurich during a socially distanced ceremony at the Capitol on Tuesday. 

“I am extremely grateful to the citizens of District 43 for entrusting me to be their voice in the Senate and am anxious to get to work,” Garvin said.  “Our state is no stranger to adversity, but this year has proven especially difficult for Oklahomans, the business community and our schools. The pandemic, along with lower energy prices, have us facing an estimated $1 billion revenue hole compared to the current budget year, and we must also fund the voter-approved Medicaid expansion that could cost upwards of $250 million a year. We must focus on issues that strengthen our economy and create jobs and much-needed revenue. I invite citizens of this district to help me work to make our great state even better.”

Garvin was among four senators who took the oath of office this week; other members of the Senate were sworn in last month.  Garvin was unable to attend the original swearing in ceremony due to having COVID-19. 

She was joined Tuesday by her husband of 11 years, Stephen, and their children, Brooks, Kollins and Tress, as well as a few close friends and family members.

Garvin will serve on the Business, Commerce and Tourism, Health and Human Services, Rules and Transportation Committees as well as the Appropriations Subcommittee on Health and Human Services. 

Born in Marshall, Minn., her family moved to Oklahoma when she was around four.  Garvin attended the University of Oklahoma, obtaining a bachelor’s degree in Communication with a minor in Psychology. She is a licensed nursing home administrator and a licensed assisted living administrator.  She is the co-owner and executive vice president of Bison Health Management. In addition to serving in the Senate, Garvin will remain serving senior adults in Marlow as a nursing home and assisted living administrator.  

“Oklahoma is in the middle of a health crisis that started long before the pandemic,” Garvin said. “Our health care system is in disarray and we are facing a dangerous shortage of physicians and nurses statewide, but especially in rural Oklahoma.  We also need to better address mental health and substance abuse problems, which are destroying Oklahoma families and costing the state millions each year. I’m looking forward to utilizing my healthcare experience to help address these issues in the state legislature.”

Garvin serves as vice president of the Marlow Lion’s Club International and has served as a board member of the United Way of Stephens County.  She previously served as community liaison for the Beautiful Day Foundation and is a member of the Chambers of Commerce for Lindsay, Duncan and Newcastle. Garvin has also served as a committee member of the Career Pathways Program with the Duncan Area Economic Development Foundation, is a current member of Sigma Nu Women’s Sorority, and has been active with Pathways to a Healthier You through Duncan Regional Hospital.  Additionally, she serves as a volunteer healthcare consultant with Duncan Community Residence and volunteers to help coach elementary through high school cheerleaders and dancers in local public school systems.