Just days before the start of Oklahoma’s 2026 legislative session, a Democratic state lawmaker has resigned after pleading guilty to felony ethics violations. Rep. Ayshia “Ajay” Pittman of Oklahoma City stepped down from the Oklahoma House of Representatives on Wednesday.
Pittman submitted her resignation to House Speaker Kyle Hilbert and Gov. Kevin Stitt only hours after entering a guilty plea related to submitting a forged check to the Oklahoma Ethics Commission. The case was investigated by the Oklahoma Attorney General’s Office.
In her resignation letter, Pittman said her decision was made in the interest of her constituents and the legislative body. She stated that stepping aside would allow the House to continue its work without distraction and keep attention focused on the needs of Oklahomans.
Prosecutors said Pittman will receive a seven-year deferred sentence and is required to repay misused campaign funds. According to the agreement, the funds will be donated to a charitable organization jointly selected by Pittman and the attorney general’s office.
House Speaker Kyle Hilbert, a Republican, said the resignation was necessary given the seriousness of the violations. In a statement, he said the conduct fell short of the standards expected of members of the Oklahoma House of Representatives.
House Democrats acknowledged Pittman’s service while agreeing that her resignation was appropriate under the circumstances. Minority Leader Cyndi Munson said Pittman had already been suspended from caucus activities when the allegations emerged last fall and could no longer effectively serve her district once charges were formally filed. The Oklahoma Legislature is scheduled to convene Monday for the new session with one vacant seat.