Fugate’s request comes after The Oklahoman reported the Capitol Preservation Commission has approved plans for the construction of a new Executive Mansion on the grounds of the present Mansion and the project will be funded through private donations.
“Today, I formally requested an opinion from the Attorney General regarding the legal authority of the Capitol Preservation Commission to initiate construction of a new executive mansion for the State of Oklahoma,” said Fugate. “Specifically, I am seeking clarity on whether the Commission can commit the state without legislative approval to the long-term financial obligations associated with operating, maintaining, and securing access to an additional government-owned residence.
“Under Article V, Section 55 of the Oklahoma Constitution, no public funds may be spent without legislative appropriation. While the Capitol Preservation Commission may be acting with good intentions, it is not empowered to make law. That responsibility lies solely with the elected members of the Oklahoma Legislature.
“The current Governor’s Mansion, a stately 14,000-square-foot home, has served our state’s executive leadership for nearly a century. It stands as a symbol of Oklahoma’s history and resilience. To suggest that this residence is no longer suitable raises serious questions about priorities. Most Oklahoma families could never dream of living in a home of that scale. Why isn’t it good enough for our Governor?
“Those pushing for a new mansion because of its age should consider the example that exists in our nation’s capital. The White House is more than a century older than our own Governor’s Mansion. It continues to serve as both a residence and a powerful emblem of American democracy.
“At a time when fiscal responsibility and transparency are more important than ever, we must ensure that any decisions involving public dollars are made lawfully, thoughtfully, and with respect for the people of Oklahoma.”
The full AG request:
Dear General Drummond:
As a member of the Oklahoma House of Representatives, I herewith submit to you the following question:
Can a new Executive Mansion be constructed with private funds without approval of the Legislature and appropriation of funds to the Capital Improvements Authority for constructing access to and maintaining the new home?
BACKGROUND:
- A story in the August 28, 2025, issue of THE OKLAHOMAN, notes that the Capitol Preservation Commission has approved plans for the construction of a new Executive Mansion on the grounds of the present Mansion.
- Even though the cost of construction will come from private, donated funds, Bob Ross, the co-chair of the fundraising project, said, “the state will be responsible for the upkeep.”
- Art. 5, Sec. 55 of the Oklahoma Constitution mandates that no money can be paid out of the State Treasury without legislative appropriation.
- Once the Executive Mansion is completed, it is reasonable to assume that the home will need to be furnished at taxpayer expense.
- After completion, most experts estimate the annual maintenance of appliances, HVAC systems, a security system, plumbing, electrical, etc. will cost from 1-4 % of the value of the home. If the estimate of construction is $6 million, just the expected maintenance paid from taxpayer funds would be $60,000 to $240,000 annually.
- Taxpayers would also be asked to pay for insurance coverage.
- Taxpayers would be asked to pay for additional staff for the Executive Mansion. It is unreasonable that the current Executive Mansion staff could handle the added responsibility. That could cost taxpayers hundreds of thousands of dollars annually.
- Once the home is complete, a large taxpayer outlay will be needed to provide access from N.E. 23rd Street or Phillips Avenue.
- If the entrance to the home is planned from Phillips Avenue, the size of the security force assigned to a governor would need to be expanded.
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