Edwards Capitol Partners (ECP) is a premier government affairs firm with 21 years of experience as a lobbying leader at the Capitol specializing in strategic advocacy, public policy solutions, regulatory affairs, and RFP Procurement. ECP works closely with businesses, non-profits, and industry leaders to navigate complex legislative landscapes, engage with key decision-makers, and achieve impactful results.
Whether advancing policy initiatives or addressing regulatory challenges, Edwards Capitol Partners leverages deep industry knowledge and strong governmental relationships to help clients succeed in today’s evolving political environment.
Our Areas of Expertise
Legislative Advocacy
As experts in legislative advocacy, we specialize in crafting and implementing effective strategies to influence policy decisions and drive positive change for our clients.
Regulatory Affairs
Navigating the intricacies of regulatory affairs is crucial for success in today's dynamic environment. We provide insights and guidance to help clients navigate regulatory challenges and achieve their objectives.
Government Relations
Our expertise in government relations enables us to build and maintain strong relationships with key stakeholders, facilitating effective communication and advocacy on behalf of our clients.
Public Policy Consulting
With a deep understanding of public policy dynamics, we offer strategic consulting services to help clients navigate legislative and regulatory processes, and achieve their policy goals.
Our Legislative Achievements
ECP has a proven track record of delivering successful legislative outcomes for a diverse range of clients. From infrastructure to healthcare, telecommunications to energy, our expertise in navigating complex legislative processes has resulted in meaningful change for Oklahoma businesses, consumers, and communities.
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Infrastructure & Public ProjectsPassed critical infrastructure protection legislation, now adopted by over 10 other states. Secured passage of Star Bonds, allowing for combined state and local sales tax to support large municipal projects. Passed Public Safety District legislation, which had been stalled for 7 years. Passed a balanced tax structure to pay for Oklahoma’s growing transportation needs.
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Labor & EmploymentLed the overhaul of workers’ compensation laws, resulting in a 55% decrease in costs for employers while protecting employee rights. Achieved a major rewrite of employee drug testing laws in Oklahoma.
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Consumer ProtectionPassed legislation prohibiting unethical practices by bill collectors, ensuring consumer rights are protected. Defeated bills that would have increased electricity costs for Oklahoma consumers.
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Energy & EnvironmentPassed legislation for long lateral drilling for the oil and gas industry. Secured passage of Property Assessed Clean Energy (PACE) legislation. Successfully passed major water legislation to protect water resources, designating it a “compelling state interest.” Worked to pass a series of pipeline safety bills resulting in significant safety improvements.
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Telecommunications & TechnologyLed the passage of significant telecommunications reform that benefits both consumers and providers.
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HealthcarePassed legislation deregulating Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists to improve healthcare access in rural areas. Collaborated with rural organizations like the Farm Bureau to secure critical health legislation. Created a provider-led managed-care system for Oklahoma’s Medicaid population. Worked to increase funding support for expecting mothers from 3 Million to 18 Million.
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Finance & Economic DevelopmentPassed General Obligation Limited Tax (GOLT) bonds legislation to fund public projects. ECP’s clients received over $100 million in ARPA funding during the 2022 Special Session.
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Law Enforcement & Public SafetySuccessfully created Oklahoma’s first twenty-year pension system for Deputies and Detention Officers. Passed the first state-funded raise for county sheriffs and deputies. Worked with the legislature to secure millions of dollars for school safety initiatives like RAVE Panic Button
55% reduction in workers’ compensation costs.
10+ states have adopted ECP’s critical infrastructure protection legislation.
$100 million in ARPA funding secured for clients.
Some of Our Clients
Our Team
While we are based in Oklahoma City and Tulsa, Oklahoma, we also work nationally in Washington D.C. and with state attorneys general and state legislatures around the country.
ECP is committed to serving clients no matter where their needs arise across the United States.
A seasoned attorney and Oklahoma native with extensive experience across federal, state, and local government. A graduate of the University of Oklahoma, Steve has held numerous influential roles throughout his distinguished career. He served at the White House under President George H.W. Bush, acted as Chief Legal Counsel for the National Republican Congressional Committee, and was Chief of Staff for U.S. Senator James Inhofe. Additionally, Steve has demonstrated his leadership as Chairman of the Oklahoma Republican Party, making him a respected figure in both legal and political arenas.
Michael "Mike" Maxwell brings over three decades of political experience to Edwards Capitol Partners, where he has been a key team member for 12 years. Throughout his career, Mike has held pivotal roles, including working for Congressman Ernest Istook and the Republican Senate Political Action Committee. His deep knowledge of political strategy and campaign operations, combined with his long-standing contributions at ECP, make him a valuable asset in navigating complex legislative and policy landscapes.
Michael Maxwell
Dan Patten has been an integral part of Edwards Capitol Partners for over 9 years, currently serving as the firm’s Legislative Director. In this role, Dan brings a wealth of experience in policy advocacy and legislative strategy. Before joining ECP, he successfully ran a campaign for Mayor of Tulsa and worked as a consultant for the National Rifle Association (NRA), where he provided strategic advice and insight on key legislative matters. His deep understanding of both political campaigning and policy issues makes him a vital asset to the firm’s success.
Dan Patten
Hope, originally from southwest Oklahoma, joined Edwards Capitol Partners at the start of 2021. With a strong background in business and campaign management, she brings extensive knowledge and organization to the team. Hope served as the campaign finance director for U.S. Senator Jim Inhofe, successfully led the campaign for Oklahoma County Sheriff Tommie Johnson, and worked as a campaign fundraiser for Representative Trey Caldwell, among others. Prior to her campaign work, she spent a decade in the technology sector, where she ultimately managed customer support and sales for a small software company.
Hope Sutterfield Lewis
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