Representative Andy Fugate

D

District 94

Hi, I’m Andy Fugate and I represent the people of Oklahoma’s 94th District.


representative

Leadership

Minority Floor Leader

58th Legislature

Minority Floor Leader

59th Legislature

Minority Floor Leader

60th Legislature

News & Announcements

Oct 15, 2025

Oklahoma House Democratic Floor Leader Andy Fugate, Senate Democratic Leader Julia Kirt Announce Completion of Second Phase of Joint Legislative Study on Homeowner Insurance Affordability

OKLAHOMA CITY – Oklahoma House Democratic Floor Leader Andy Fugate, D-Del City, announced the completion on Tuesday, October 7, of the second half of a joint legislative study with Senate Democratic Leader Julia Kirt, D-Oklahoma City, examining the sharp rise in homeowner insurance rates across Oklahoma. The second session focused on two critical areas: gaps in Oklahoma’s insurance oversight system and the real world impact on Oklahoma families, with particular attention to seniors and Oklahomans on fixed incomes. “Oklahoma’s law makes it nearly impossible to challenge or even review proposed rates,” said Fugate. “The problem is exacerbated by the reality that just four insurers control over 60 percent of the homeowner insurance market. Without oversight, insurers are free to charge all the customer can bear.” Leader Kirt echoed these concerns. “It's clear from this study that we don't have the laws and capacity in place to adequately review rates and ensure they're fair for Oklahomans,” said Leader Kirt. “That has to change.” Fugate emphasized concerns with the state’s reliance on the Herfindahl Hirschman Index (HHI) as the sole measure of market competitiveness. He pointed to the Four Firm Concentration Ratio (FFCR) as an additional, widely used metric that shows a different picture: when the top four firms hold more than 60 percent of market share, the market is dominated by a small number of large companies rather than a truly competitive environment.  “For all but one year in the last two decades, Oklahoma has had an insurance oligopoly and not a truly competitive market,” Fugate said. Key findings from the second session include: Structural barriers in current law that limit meaningful review and public challenge of proposed rate increases. High market concentration among a handful of insurers that reduces competitive pressure to lower premiums. Disproportionate impacts on fixed income households and senior citizens who face difficult choices between paying rising premiums and maintaining other basic needs. “Thank you to Leader Kirt for continuing this research using Senate resources,” Fugate said. “We have an insurance affordability crisis that must be solved.” -END-

Oct 2, 2025

Oklahoma Lawmakers Conduct Bipartisan Interim Study on Soaring Homeowner Insurance Rates

OKLAHOMA CITY – Rep. Andy Fugate, D-Del City, and Rep. Preston Stinson, R-Edmond, conducted the first part of a two-part interim study on Tuesday examining Oklahoma’s skyrocketing homeowner insurance rates. “Oklahomans are finding it harder and harder to afford homeowner insurance as reports show Oklahoma has some of the highest rates in the country,” said Fugate. “This study reviewed contributing factors, including climate change and statutory prohibitions that prevent the Insurance Commissioner from reviewing proposed rates. While some believe these rates may be justified, without review it’s impossible to know.” The study also discussed the challenges of choosing insurance based on anything beyond price and advertising. Rep. Fugate noted that consumers lack access to key data—such as how often claims are denied, fulfilled, or end up in court due to bad faith. The study included a presentation from Oklahoma Insurance Commissioner Glen Mulready to help guide the search for actionable reforms. “Commissioner Mulready gave a presentation about Oklahoma homeowner insurance, what services our insurance department provides, what programs exist to lower premiums, and what customer assistance and advocacy they provide,” said Stinson. “By examining the underlying factors that drive homeowner insurance cost increases, we can take steps toward making any beneficial changes.” The study also included presentations from national experts. Fugate noted, “It is safe to say the insurance industry believes in climate change.” It also included testimony from the real estate industry and the independent insurance sales industry. Both highlighted concerns about the challenges presented by skyrocketing insurance rates. The full study can be streamed on the  Oklahoma House of Representatives Website. The second half of the study is scheduled to be heard in the Oklahoma Senate at 2:30 p.m. on Tuesday, October 7. -END-

Sep 10, 2025

Fugate Responds to Supreme Court Ruling, Governor’s Executive Order

OKLAHOMA CITY – Rep. Andy Fugate, D-Del City, issued the following statement in response to the Oklahoma Supreme Court’s recent ruling and Governor Kevin Stitt’s executive order on remote work. Earlier this year, Fugate filed a lawsuit against the Governor questioning the legality of his Executive Order 2024-29 which required state agency directors to instruct all full-time state employees to return to their offices or field by February 1, 2025. This week, the Oklahoma Supreme Court affirmed the District Court’s dismissal of the lawsuit, citing that Fugate was not directly impacted by the executive order.  Because the suit was dismissed based on the standing Fugate lacked, Fugate argues that criticism of the executive order is still necessary and that this court ruling does not change that. “It’s clear from his statement that the Governor did not bother to read the Court’s decision," said Fugate. "The court did not ‘back’ the Governor. It simply said that a single legislator could not challenge the Governor. The Governor should stop relying on ChatGPT to do his homework. It’s embarrassing for the people of Oklahoma, and they deserve better. Reading is fundamental. I highly recommend it. Until then, Oklahoma families will continue to suffer under this Governor’s ‘top ten aspirations,’ while our state remains at the bottom of nearly every meaningful measure of health and well-being.” Fugate asserts that if the Governor were truly interested in accountability and productivity in state government, then he would have taken action much sooner.  “If there were reports of employees abusing remote work privileges, any competent leader would have acted immediately by identifying offenders, taking disciplinary action, terminating employment where necessary, and pursuing prosecution when appropriate,” said Fugate. “Instead, this Governor sat idle for a year and a half. As with much of his leadership, this is more theater than substance. Thousands of state employees continue to work remotely. If Governor Stitt is truly concerned about accountability, he should start by investigating the Ryan Walters employee who reportedly showed up for work little more than once a month—while collecting a paycheck larger than the Governor’s own salary.” -END-