Chief Hoskin Jr. Says Tribal Sovereignty Support Was Reason Kauger Lost Supreme Court Justice Retention Vote

Oklahoma voters make history by voting to not retain Supreme Court justice Yvonne Kauger, who was appointed in 1984.

Kauger and two other judges were the subject of an intense ad campaign. Kauger was the only one who lost.

Principle Chief of Cherokee Nation Chuck Hoskin, Jr. says Kauger lost because she supports tribal sovereignty.

Chief Chuck Hoskin Jr. says Yvonne Kauger was punished by Gov. Kevin Stitt, who Hoskin Jr. says organized the push to get her off the bench.

A campaign ad over the last few weeks said in part, "Fire these three at the same time, Yvonne Kauger, James Edmondson, and Noma Gurich, all three are liberals."

Hoskin Jr. saw the ad too. He says it was misleading. "It paints them as somehow radical when I know from reading decisions they're moderates, and I don't think anyone that's a serious individual or serious leader would say anything otherwise," he said.

He believes that ad, and another one like it that was broadcasted on air was connected to Gov. Stitt-who's fought with Hoskin Jr. and other tribal leaders since taking office.

He believes the governor wanted the three justices in the ad off the bench because they supported tribal sovereignty.

"When it's an attack on tribal sovereignty and he finds these justices inconvenient and he wipes them out at least two of them that's a problem I think for tribes," Hoskin Jr. said.

Gov. Stitt sent a statement in response to Tuesday's retention vote that reads in part, "This is a historic day. Voters made it clear they are tired of activist judges on our Supreme Court who don’t share our Oklahoma values. It’s time for fresh eyes on the court.”

Chief Hoskin, Jr. said, "they're not misaligned with the values with the people of Oklahoma, they're misaligned with Governor Stitt's warped view of tribes that they really don't have a role in the 21st century."

News On 6 reached out to Justice Kauger and she declined to comment.

The Judicial Nominating Commission will choose three candidates to fill Justice Kauger's seat, and then Stitt will have 60 days to choose one of the three candidates to be Oklahoma's Supreme Court's new Judge.