When Representative Tom Cole took over as chairman of the Appropriations Committee in April, it was a historic moment for Oklahoma, marking the first time someone from the state had reached such a powerful position in Congress.
During his 15 years on the committee, Mr. Cole, a Republican, steadily climbed the ranks with the goal of becoming chairman. He worked on bipartisan spending bills and included projects for Oklahoma, such as funding for universities, hospitals, and airports, totaling billions of dollars.
However, just two months into his new role, his plans are facing a major challenge, potentially jeopardizing Oklahoma’s access to federal funds.
On Tuesday, he will confront a tough primary challenge from a self-funded conservative, Paul Bondar, who is running on an anti-spending platform. With over $8 million invested in the race, it has become one of the costliest House primaries this year.
In the past, holding the gavel of the appropriations committee would have been a political advantage. Chairpersons of such committees can use their power to benefit their constituents by securing federal funds for local projects.
But in today’s Republican Party, where fiscal conservatism is on the rise and spending is viewed negatively, being an institutionalist who directs federal money back home is seen as a liability.
While Mr. Cole is expected to come out on top, the challenge he faces reflects the changes within the GOP that have made the party harder to govern. Mainstream lawmakers and experienced legislators are being overshadowed by right-wing figures who resist the political establishment.
Joseph Harroz Jr., president of the University of Oklahoma, expressed surprise at the challenge, highlighting the rare opportunity for the Fourth District to have someone like Tom Cole in such a crucial position.
Conservative hard-liners have caused turmoil within Congress by demanding significant spending cuts during the appropriations process, leading to challenges in passing spending bills.
Outside of Washington, Republican lawmakers involved in funding the government are facing backlash from a base that rejects excessive spending.
Representative Kay Granger of Texas, Mr. Cole’s predecessor, also encountered a tough challenge in 2020 from an anti-spending opponent. The conservative Club for Growth invested over $1 million in an attempt to defeat her, citing her support for high federal spending.
This year, Mr. Bondar is leveraging this sentiment against Mr. Cole in their primary race.
“Tom Cole voted for billions in new deficit spending, while Paul Bondar opposes new federal spending,” a narrator stated in a television ad.
Mr. Bondar, a newcomer to Oklahoma from Texas and a first-time political candidate, is challenging a seasoned politician like Mr. Cole, which is uncommon in such circumstances.
During an interview with a local television station, Mr. Bondar faced questions about his residency, revealing that he was currently in Texas, not Oklahoma.
Despite his lack of political experience, Mr. Bondar has invested over $4.8 million of his own money in the campaign, emphasizing the need for a more conservative representative who is present in the district.
Mr. Bondar justified his significant financial commitment by stating that Mr. Cole’s constituents deserve a representative with a different approach to spending and a stronger presence in the district.
In his previous efforts, Mr. Cole secured over $108 million for programs benefiting the University of Oklahoma alone, including funding for the university’s aviation program and cancer center.
Mr. Harroz emphasized the importance of having Mr. Cole in a position to support the university’s growth and strategic plans.
Despite opportunities in other roles, Mr. Cole was determined to become the chairman of the House Appropriations Committee, believing it would allow him to make a greater impact for Oklahoma.
While campaigning, Mr. Cole has focused on highlighting Mr. Bondar’s ties to Texas and his endorsement from former President Donald J. Trump.
Mr. Cole acknowledged the effectiveness of his position as chairman and his support from President Trump, indicating confidence in his re-election prospects.
The primary race between Mr. Cole and Mr. Bondar reflects broader shifts within the Republican Party, where traditional lawmakers are facing challenges from more ideologically driven candidates.
