Jeff Cloud leaving Oklahoma Corporation Commission


Jeff Cloud is resigning his statewide elective position at the Oklahoma Corporation Commission. In a statement sent to CapitolBeatOK Thursday afternoon (September 1), Cloud said: 

“It is with mixed emotions that I announce that I will resign my position as Oklahoma Corporation Commissioner in order to pursue opportunities in the private sector.

“This decision has certainly not been an easy one. It has been my personal privilege and  honor to serve on the Commission for more than eight years. In that time, many positive changes have been implemented that affect industries the Commission regulates. The issues that Commissioners and the agency’s staff tackle every day continue to grow in complexity.

“However, what certainly has not changed is the commitment of this agency to the public and industry to ensure the economy of Oklahoma continues to develop in a way that benefits both the consumer and the businesses we oversee and that treats citizens and regulated entities fairly.

“I especially want to express my sincere thanks and gratitude to the people of Oklahoma for their support and for allowing me to serve and to the employees of the Commission and my fellow Commissioners for their hard work and commitment to excellence.   On a personal note, I want to thank my family.  I could not have done this without them.

“I will be working closely with Governor Mary Fallin as she prepares to name my successor and to see that the transition period goes smoothly and the Commission’s critical work will continue without interruption.”

Cloud has in past years suffered from severe sinus polyps. In 2010, he entered the Fifth Congressional District race, seeking to replace Mary Fallin after she announced her candidacy for governor. He withdrew from that contest in February 2010. 

Cloud, a Republican, was elected to the Commission in 2002, after defeating Dana Murphy in the primary.In his 2008 reelection, Cloud received 856,879 votes (60.98 percent) to defeat former state Rep. Charles Gray, the Democratic nominee who garnered 548,190 (39.02 percent) support. 

Cloud came to elected office after a successful career working for several elected officials, including former Oklahoma City Mayor Kirk Humphreys, former Gov. Frank Keating, and former U.S. Rep. J.C. Watts. He announced Thursday he will go to work for Continental Resources. 

Murphy was elected to the important regulatory body in 2008, defeating incumbent Jim Roth in the general election. Murphy was reelected in 2010 and is now chairman. 

The other commissioner is Robert Anthony, now the longest-serving statewide elected official.