Meet Ben Riggs
Ben is a lifelong Oklahoman, parent of three, teacher, coach, and Democrat running to fight for everyday working families
Oklahoma Born, Oklahoma Bred
​Ben was born and raised in Sand Springs, OK where his family has been for nearly a century. Many of his most important life lessons came from riding around with his grandpa on the family farm. His grandpa’s words shaped his outlook—teaching him to treat all people with fairness and respect, to stand up for those who can’t fight for themselves, and to approach everything with humility. Whether it was caring for the land, animals, or fellow human beings, his grandpa instilled a deep sense of responsibility in him to protect and fight for what’s right. Those lessons have stayed with him, and they continue to guide the way he lives today.
Proud Product of Public Schools
Ben has proudly learned from and supported Oklahoma’s public education system throughout his life. Although he acknowledges how fortunate he was to have parents who were actively involved in his education, he believes that his public school teachers and coaches played an equally significant role in his educational successes and in fostering his commitment to community service.
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Ben graduated from Charles Page High School in 2007 and went directly to the University of Oklahoma. At OU, he earned a degree in Political Science, further fueling his passion for service and his drive to make a positive impact on his community. His experiences in both his public school and university education shaped his belief in the power of accessible, high-quality education.
Public Service
Ben has always believed in the power of community service, dedicating much of his time and resources to causes that make a real difference. Out of college, he served as a volunteer firefighter, answering the call to help protect and support his neighbors. Ben has been an active participant and financial supporter of the Special Olympics, showing his commitment to fostering inclusivity and empowerment for individuals with disabilities. He has also been involved with Make Promises Happen, a special needs camp for both children and adults, where he’s contributed his time and resources to create a positive, life-changing experience for attendees. Ben’s heart for service extends to advocating for vulnerable children through his past participation in Stand in the Gap and his ongoing involvement with Royal Family Kids, both organizations dedicated to supporting foster care children.
Husband and Father
​Ben has lived in District 71 for over a decade with his wife, Chandler. They are the proud parents of three children. Ben’s love for his family, friends, and community fuels his work and his vision for a better Oklahoma. He is running for office to serve the community and ensure that all of our children have a brighter future.
As an educator and advocate, he has seen firsthand how inadequate school funding and the lack of support for meaningful educational goals and programs have contributed to our state's poor educational outcomes. ​Ben is committed to addressing the root causes of these challenges, including the pressures placed on teachers, the unfair and baseless attacks and criticisms educators face, and the ripple effects on the community. He believes improving education is the key to unlocking economic potential, reducing homelessness, lowering incarceration rates, and addressing mental health and substance abuse issues in Oklahoma.
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Ben believes that by working together, we can create a thriving community where every child has the opportunity to succeed and reach their full potential. His passion for service and his unwavering dedication to the people of District 71 make him the ideal candidate to lead us into a better future.