Representative Daniel Pae

R

District 62

Hi, I’m Daniel Pae and I represent the people of Oklahoma’s 62nd District.


representative

Leadership

Assistant Majority Whip

60th Legislature

News & Announcements

Jan 22, 2026
Recent Posts

STATEMENT: Lawton-Area Lawmakers Mourn Passing of Police Chief James T. Smith

Lawton-area legislators are mourning the loss of Lawton Police Chief James T. Smith, who passed away on Jan. 22, 2026, at the age of 66.  Reps. Trey Caldwell, R-Lawton, Toni Hasenbeck, R-Elgin, Daniel Pae, R-Lawton, and Rande Worthen, R-Lawton, along with Sens. Dusty Deevers, R-Elgin, and Spencer Kern, R-Duncan, remembered the longtime law enforcement officer in a joint statement.  "Chief Smith embodied what it means to be a public servant. Throughout his decades with the Lawton Police Department, he led with integrity and compassion, and he maintained an unwavering commitment to the safety and well-being of Lawton families. Our community is stronger and safer because of Chief Smith’s vision and leadership. We extend our deepest condolences to his family, friends, the officers of the Lawton Police Department and all those who had the privilege of working alongside him."  Smith dedicated more than 35 years to law enforcement and was named Chief of Police for the Lawton Police Department in 2012. His work with the department was recognized statewide, including being named Large Agency Chief of the Year by the Oklahoma Association of Chiefs of Police in 2025 and receiving the William “Bill” Tilghman Public Service Award from the Oklahoma Law Enforcement Hall of Fame in 2024.       In addition to his law enforcement career, Smith served 30 years in the military, retiring as a Colonel after service in the Kentucky Army National Guard and the U.S. Army Reserves.  The lawmakers ask the community to join them in honoring Smith’s legacy of service and to keep his family and colleagues in their thoughts during this difficult time.

Nov 13, 2025
Recent Posts

Legislative Leaders Comment on Federal Government Reopening, Highlight Next Steps for SNAP

Reps. Daniel Pae, R-Lawton, and Emily Gise, R-Oklahoma City, who lead the Oklahoma House Appropriations & Budget Human Services Subcommittee, released the following statements after Congress passed a bipartisan agreement late Wednesday to reopen the federal government and restore funding to critical programs: "We’re relieved to see the federal government reopened and critical services fully restored," Pae said. "Throughout the shutdown, we have closely monitored its impact on SNAP recipients and local food providers across Oklahoma. This agreement allows us to move forward with implementing the SNAP provisions of H.R. 1, which eases access for families in need."  Gise added, "The shutdown was a gut punch for working families, and Oklahomans deserve better than D.C. drama that gambles with their groceries. Now it’s time to restore trust, improve SNAP accountability and keep families fed instead of forgotten."  House Speaker Kyle Hilbert, R-Bristow, said, "The end of this shutdown is long overdue. Oklahomans shouldn’t have to bear the cost of Washington gridlock caused by Democrats’ refusal to advance responsible funding bills. Now, the focus must return to governance that keeps our economy strong, holds programs accountable and puts working families first." The lawmakers reaffirmed their commitment to working with state and federal partners to ensure a smooth rollout of the SNAP updates under H.R. 1 and to maintain consistent communication with state agencies and recipients moving forward.

Oct 25, 2025
Recent Posts

Lawmakers Call OJA Leadership Change a Chance to Refocus

OKLAHOMA CITY – Reps. Daniel Pae, R-Lawton; Emily Gise, R-Oklahoma City; Danny Sterling, R-Tecumseh; and Dell Kerbs, R-Shawnee, released the following joint statement after the resignation of Office of Juvenile Affairs Director Tim Tardibono amid recent concerns at the Central Oklahoma Juvenile Center: “We acknowledge Tim Tardibono’s decision to step down as director of the Office of Juvenile Affairs. This change gives the agency a chance to restore stability and refocus on its core mission of helping Oklahoma’s youth succeed. “New leadership is a positive step but we know that leadership changes alone don’t fix long-term problems. The challenges at COJC, including staff injuries, low morale and daily operational strain, need real, lasting attention. “We’re calling on the interim director and the OJA Board to move quickly and transparently to strengthen the agency. That means ensuring safe staffing levels, rebuilding morale, supporting trauma-informed care and keeping the focus on rehabilitation and youth development. “We welcome Sharon ‘Shel’ Millington as interim director and look forward to working with OJA leadership, state officials and community partners to bring forward meaningful reforms next session. “The work ahead is significant but we share the same goal: to protect staff, support youth and restore public confidence in Oklahoma’s juvenile justice system.”