Thad Balkman

Thad H. Balkman (born October 23, 1971) is an American politician, lawyer and judge.

Balkman grew up in California and Washington, and was raised Mormon.[1] He attended Brigham Young University, where he earned a bachelor's degree in political science.[2][3] Balkman then graduated from the University of Oklahoma College of Law, and worked for the law firm that represented 1996 Republican candidate Steve Byas, who sued incumbent Oklahoma House of Representatives member Wallace Collins for libel.[1][4] Balkman campaigned for Eric Hawkins in 1998, who lost to Collins.[5] Balkman won the Republican nomination for district 45 in 2000 against John English and Randy Boyd,[6] and defeated Collins in the general election.[5] Balkman faced Collins for a second time in 2002, and retained his seat.[1][7] Two years later, he faced Estelle Cash, and won a third legislative term.[8] Balkman was subsequently named leader of the House Republican Caucus and the Appropriations and Budget Subcommittee on Health and Social Services.[9] He was voted out of office in 2006, and succeeded by Collins.[7]

Balkman co-founded the Oklahoma branch of the Brigham Young University Management Society in 2009,[10] and later became executive director of the Oklahoma Lawyers Association.[11]

In October 2013, Mary Fallin appointed Balkman to the district court based in Cleveland County, where he succeeded justice Tom Lucas.[12][13] Balkman took office on November 1, 2013.[14][15] He won a full term on the bench in 2014, and sought a second term in 2018.[2]

Balkman is married to Amy, with whom he has five children.[12][14] He is a bishop in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.[15]

References

  1. 1 2 3 Gaddie, Ronald Keith (2004). Born to Run: Origins of the Political Career. Rowman & Littlefield. pp. 89–99. ISBN 9780742519282.
  2. 1 2 "Balkman to seek re-election as county district judge". The Norman Transcript. April 8, 2018. Retrieved July 18, 2018.
  3. ↑ "Updates". BYU Magazine. Brigham Young University. 2014. Retrieved July 18, 2018.
  4. ↑ English, Paul (December 3, 1998). "Norman Lawmaker Urged to Resign". The Oklahoman. Retrieved July 18, 2018.
  5. 1 2 "Thad Balkman". The Oklahoman. August 6, 2000. Retrieved July 18, 2018.
  6. ↑ Singleterry, Wayne (August 20, 2000). "Tuesday's elections part one of three Republican presence gaining". The Oklahoman. Retrieved July 19, 2018.
  7. 1 2 Mock, Jennifer (July 15, 2006). "District 45 incumbent seeks 4th term". The Oklahoman. Retrieved July 18, 2018.
  8. ↑ Rabe, Josh (October 20, 2004). "Democrat challenges Norman incumbent". The Oklahoman. Retrieved July 18, 2018.
  9. ↑ "Profiles". BYU Magazine. Brigham Young University. 2005. Retrieved July 18, 2018.
  10. ↑ Hinton, Carla (April 18, 2009). "Chapter has ethics as focus". The Oklahoman. Retrieved July 18, 2018.
  11. ↑ "Updates". BYU Magazine. Brigham Young University. 2010. Retrieved July 17, 2018.
  12. 1 2 Cannon, Jane Glenn (October 5, 2013). "Oklahoma Gov. Mary Fallin appoints new judge for Cleveland County". The Oklahoman. Retrieved July 18, 2018.
  13. ↑ "Former legislator Thad Balkman hired to county district judge post". The Norman Transcript. October 4, 2013. Retrieved July 18, 2018.
  14. 1 2 "Former state representative sworn in as judge". The Oklahoman. November 2, 2013. Retrieved July 18, 2018.
  15. 1 2 Adkisson, Shana (November 13, 2013). "Judge Thad Balkman settling into new job". The Moore American. Retrieved July 18, 2018.
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