Lt. Col. Dan Rooney, a combat fighter pilot, Oklahoma Air National Guard commander and founder of veteran-focused non-profit Folds of Honor, has announced his candidacy for Congress in Oklahoma’s 1st Congressional District, setting out a campaign centred on military service, economic contribution and conservative policy priorities.
The Tulsa-based announcement positions Rooney as a candidate with a background in both public service and entrepreneurship, contrasting himself with what he describes as career politicians in Washington. His entry into the race adds a high-profile figure to a district where military presence and associated economic activity play a significant role.
“I’ve spent my life serving alongside the men and women who defend this country, and the families who sacrifice with them,” Rooney said. “Now, I’m stepping forward to continue that mission and fight for Oklahoma families in Congress.”
Rooney’s campaign narrative draws heavily on his dual experience in the armed forces and the private sector. As founder of Folds of Honor, he has overseen the growth of the organisation from what he described as modest beginnings into a nationally recognised charity supporting military and first responder families. The organisation has awarded more than $300m in scholarships, underlining its scale and financial impact.
A small-business owner and father of five, Rooney has framed his candidacy as rooted in practical leadership and personal responsibility. His campaign messaging also emphasises faith, which he presents as central to both his personal and professional decisions.
“I will never forget standing on the tarmac in 2006, watching a family receive a flag-draped coffin and realizing their fight was just beginning, and America had already moved on,” Rooney said. “That night, God gave me a calling — and Folds of Honor was born.”
The economic backdrop to Rooney’s campaign is notable. Oklahoma is home to more than 300,000 veterans, while military installations contribute an estimated $7.3bn annually to the state’s economy. This intersection of defence and economic output is likely to remain a key theme as the campaign develops, particularly in a district where federal spending and defence policy have direct local implications.
Rooney has argued that representation by individuals with military experience is critical to informed policymaking in Washington, particularly on defence and veterans’ affairs.
“The battlefield may be overseas, but the decisions that shape it are made in Washington. And too often, they’re made by people who have never worn a uniform,” Rooney said. “Oklahoma deserves a combat veteran’s voice at the table, and America needs leaders who understand what’s at stake.”
His policy platform aligns with broader Republican priorities, including strengthening the US military, enhancing border security, restoring domestic energy production and focusing on family-oriented economic policies. These themes are consistent with “America First” positioning, which continues to influence segments of the party’s electoral strategy.
From a business perspective, Rooney’s emphasis on energy independence and military investment reflects sectors with significant economic weight in Oklahoma and across the United States. Energy production, in particular, remains a major contributor to regional employment and investment, while defence spending supports both direct and indirect economic activity.
“In Congress, I will fight like a father for the future our children will inherit,” Rooney said. “That means supporting our veterans, keeping this country strong, and making sure the next generation grows up in an America worth believing in.”
Faith also features prominently in Rooney’s campaign messaging, with references to its influence on leadership and decision-making. This aspect may resonate with parts of the electorate in Oklahoma, where religious affiliation plays a visible role in public life.
“Our founders knelt in prayer before they ever stood in power,” Rooney said. “In the hardest moments of my life, that is where God showed up — and I know I cannot do this alone.”
Rooney concluded his announcement by aligning himself with former President Donald Trump, signalling continuity with a political direction that remains influential within Republican ranks.
“I am Lt. Col. Dan Rooney, and it would be my honor to serve as your Congressman and alongside my Commander-in-Chief, President Donald Trump,” Rooney concluded.
“This campaign is about service, faith, and the future of our country — and together, we will win.”
As the race develops, Rooney’s blend of military credentials, non-profit leadership and business experience is expected to form the core of his appeal to voters, particularly in a district where economic and defence considerations are closely intertwined.
