Meet Mike Hunter
Upholding the Law, Serving the People
Throughout his career, Mike Hunter has consistently advocated for pragmatic solutions over partisan politics. His work ethic, shaped by his upbringing and early career in the heartland of Oklahoma, reflects his belief in hard work, integrity, and the importance of community. He takes a flexible, forward-thinking approach to governance that’s always ready to adapt to the changing needs of Oklahomans. He often quotes Dwight D. Eisenhower, saying, “In planning for battle, I have always found that plans are irrelevant, but planning is indispensable.”
Hunter’s commitment to the rule of law and dedication to the state of Oklahoma have made him a respected figure in state and national politics. As he continues to serve, he focuses on ensuring justice and prosperity for all Oklahomans, championing policies that foster economic growth, enhance public safety, and preserve the values that make Oklahoma unique. He’s dedicated to prosperity and safety for all Oklahomans, whether advocating for policy reforms, holding big businesses accountable, or removing legal barriers to common-sense actions that make Oklahoma better for all.
Early Life and Education
Born on July 2, 1956, in Enid, Oklahoma, Mike Hunter is a fourth-generation Oklahoman who embodies the spirit and values of the Sooner State. Raised on a family-run wheat and cattle farm in Garfield County, he learned the value of hard work and community from a young age. These formative years on the farm, where he spent his days hauling hay and tending to livestock, instilled in him a profound appreciation for Oklahoma’s agricultural roots.
After excelling in academics and athletics at his local high school, Hunter earned an engineering scholarship to Oklahoma State University. However, his passion for history led him to switch majors, graduating in 1978 with a Bachelor of Arts in history. His leadership qualities shone brightly during his college years, where he served as a member of the student senate and president of the Blue Key Honor Society. Recognizing a deeper calling toward law and governance, Mike Hunter took a gap year to work before pursuing his legal studies at the University of Oklahoma College of Law. There, he honed his leadership skills as the president of the student bar association. Upon graduating in 1982, Mike Hunter was admitted to the Oklahoma Bar Association.
Legal and Legislative Career
Hunter’s professional journey began in private practice, where he specialized in energy, real estate, utilities, and public employment law. His early career set the stage for his entry into politics when he was elected to the Oklahoma House of Representatives in 1984. During his tenure, Hunter served as chairman of the Republican Caucus and vice chairman of the House Criminal Justice Committee, earning a reputation for his pragmatic approach to complex legal and policy issues.
In 1988, The Oklahoman acknowledged his legislative prowess by voting him as one of Oklahoma’s Best Legislators. After several years in the House, Hunter returned to private practice in 1991, where he continued to have an impact on public policy through his work with the Oklahoma Corporation Commission and as general counsel.
Public Service and Leadership
Mike Hunter’s ambitions in public service took a significant leap when Gov. Frank Keating appointed him secretary of state of Oklahoma in 1999, a role he served with distinction until 2002. Following this, he ventured into the national arena as vice president and chief operating officer of the American Council of Life Insurers and later the American Bankers Association, where he gained valuable experience in national policy and corporate governance.
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In 2015, Hunter returned to public service in Oklahoma as the first assistant attorney general under Scott Pruitt. His dedication and expertise were soon recognized at the highest levels, leading to his appointment as attorney general in 2017, following Pruitt’s resignation. Mike Hunter won the election as attorney general in 2018, where he focused on significant legal challenges during his tenure, not the least of which included a worsening opioid epidemic.
Championing the Fight Against Opioids
Perhaps one of the most notable aspects of Hunter’s tenure as attorney general was his aggressive approach to the opioid epidemic — a crisis devastating communities across Oklahoma and the nation. Under his leadership, Oklahoma became the first state to hold big pharmaceutical companies accountable for their role in the epidemic, resulting in a $270 million settlement with Purdue Pharma. The settlement included significant funds to establish the Oklahoma State University Center for Wellness and Recovery, turning it into a national addiction treatment and research center.
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Beyond the courtroom, Mike Hunter chaired the Oklahoma Commission on Opioid Abuse, where he brought together health professionals, law enforcement, and policymakers to tackle the crisis from multiple angles. The commission's work led to the drafting and passing of several critical pieces of legislation to curb prescription drug misuse. These laws tightened regulations around prescription monitoring and made it harder for providers to overprescribe addictive substances.
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Hunter’s efforts in Oklahoma had a ripple effect nationally, influencing other states to take similar legal actions against irresponsible drug manufacturers. He frequently collaborated with attorneys general from different states, sharing strategies and insights to strengthen the nationwide response to the opioid epidemic. His leadership helped shape a collective approach that emphasized both punitive measures against corporate misconduct and compassionate care for individuals struggling with addiction.
Personal Life
Mike Hunter is married to Kim Hunter, the general counsel at the Oklahoma Insurance Department. Away from work, they enjoy doting on their children and grandchildren.
