Another Democrat resigns in disgrace and shame, a phenomenon that is becoming more and more common as transparency in government at all levels becomes a much higher priority for Americans across the country. Oklahoma State Rep. Ajay Pittman, a Democrat, announced she would be resigning from the Oklahoma House of Representatives after pleading guilty to felony charges of submitting a forged check to the Oklahoma Ethics Commission.
Pittman has represented the people of House District 99, which includes a chunk of Oklahoma City, since 2019. During her tenure, Pittman wrote and co-sponsored a total of 160 bills and helped push a number of bipartisan measures to get signed into law. Pittman released a statement announcing her resignation from office.
“It has been the honor of a lifetime to serve the constituents of House District 99. From the first day I took the oath, my commitment was simple: be effective and do the work, put people first, and make a difference. I am honored to say that my service in the office was effective as a local and national policy collaborator who handled our day-to-day governmental affairs,” Pittman went on to say in a news release.
“I believe stepping aside allows my district to be served without distraction. Leadership is not only about holding office, but it’s also about knowing when to close a chapter with grace and clarity,” Pittman continued, according to a report from KOCO. “From the bottom of my heart, I want to send a very big thank you to the people of District 99 for the trust you placed in me.”
“This opportunity to serve has been the honor of a lifetime. This is a moment in time. The legislation we passed, the families we helped, the students we have lifted, and the community we strengthened together, that is our legacy,” the congresswoman said. The resignation followed Oklahoma Attorney General Gentner Drummond announcing Pittman pleaded guilty to felony charges of submitting a forged check to the state’s ethics commission.
Drummond stated that her resignation was part of the sentence she received for her crime. In October 2025, investigators seized several items from her Capitol office and residence after allegations emerged that she was involved in forgery and embezzlement. Pittman, who was reelected to her fourth term in office in 2024, was accused of forgery, embezzlement, and violations of the Oklahoma Computer Crimes Act.
The allegations come from activity connected to her 2024 campaign account. She is accused of forging a $5,000 check in August 2024 and a $2,500 check in January 2025. A search warrant was issued last October and executed at her office and her home located in Midwest City, where a number of records, devices, and other documents were taken.
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“Public officials hold a sacred trust with the people they serve,” Drummond stated in a news release concerning the situation. “When that trust is violated for personal gain, it strikes at the very heart of our institutions. This office will continue to hold elected officials accountable when they abuse their positions and betray the public’s confidence. No one is above the law in Oklahoma.”
Pittman is also going to receive a deferred seven-year sentence. She has also been ordered to pay full restitution for the misused campaign funds by donating to a charitable organization. This isn’t the first time Pittman has faced these kinds of allegations. In 2020 and 2022, she agreed to a restitution and a fine after being accused of using campaign funds for personal use.
Featured Image: screenshot from embedded video