Rep. Jim Olsen, R-Roland, will serve as vice chair of the newly launched Freedom Caucus within the Oklahoma Legislature.

The Freedom Caucus, also known as the House Freedom Caucus, is a congressional caucus consisting of Republican members of the U.S. House of Representatives. It is widely considered to be the most conservative caucus in Congress.

For the last several years, Freedom Caucuses have been forming on the state level. Oklahoma is the 12th state to form a Freedom Caucus.

During his speech at Tuesday’s press conference announcing the Freedom Cau- cus, Olsen said the lawmakers will look to advance policies that align with “certain conservative principles.”

Among those principles listed by Olsen include: The Constitution, Limited government, Personal responsibility, Family responsibility, Lower taxation and regulation, Traditional marriage and family, and leaning heavily on the Bible and Biblical principles as the bedrock of Western Civilization.

Olsen stated, “I am looking forward to working in cooperation and harmony with the Republican caucus of the House of Representatives in advancing these goals. I have been informed that they are in agreement with these principles, so I look forward to a congenial and amicable relationship as we work together to advance conservative principles.”

Olsen will serve as the House vice chair. Sen. Shane Jett, R-Shawnee, will serve as the chair of the caucus, while Sen. Dusty Deevers, R-Elgin, is the Senate vice chair.

Rep. Jim Olsen, a Republican, has represented House District 2 in the Oklahoma House of Representatives since 2018. His district covers Sequoyah County.