Cornerstone Advocacy Across the States: September Recap

Cornerstone advocates strengthened relationships across five states in September while preparing for Election Day and 2027 sessions.

September was a busy month for Cornerstone advocacy across Arkansas, Kansas, Missouri, Oklahoma, and Texas. From legislative and election developments to candidate engagement, PAC activity, and fraud prevention efforts, credit union advocates continued strengthening relationships with policymakers and laying the groundwork for the 2027 legislative sessions.

Arkansas

Arkansas credit union advocates remained active as lawmakers and industry leaders began looking toward 2027. During September’s Arkansas Legislative Council meetings, lawmakers discussed issues affecting communities and businesses across the state, including state finances, data center growth, child care, and workforce and social service programs.

Credit unions also had a strong presence at the Arkansas Attorney General’s Fraud and Consumer Protection Summit, which brought together more than 800 participants from law enforcement, government, and financial services. Karyn Davis, president and CEO of UP Federal Credit Union, and Cara Tharp, executive director of the Arkansas Credit Union Association, participated in a panel focused on collaborative approaches to fighting financial fraud, bringing the credit union perspective to the statewide conversation.

Grassroots engagement continued throughout the state, with ARCUPAC distributing more than $10,000 in contributions to candidates in recent months. TruService Community Federal Credit Union hosted Rep. Alex Holladay, D-North Little Rock, and Clearway Credit Union hosted Rep. Richard McGrew, R-Hot Springs, providing opportunities for credit union leaders to connect directly with policymakers and discuss the important role credit unions play in their communities.

Kansas

Election preparations are taking center stage in Kansas as the Nov. 3 general election approaches. Statewide offices and all 125 Kansas House seats are on the ballot, with several competitive House races that could affect the balance of the chamber and help shape the 2027 legislative session. The voter registration deadline is Oct. 13, and advance voting begins as early as Oct. 14. Following Election Day, attention will quickly return to Topeka as lawmakers and credit union advocates prepare for the upcoming session.

Missouri

In Missouri, CUPAC of Missouri has distributed $42,500 in contributions to support continued engagement with policymakers. That momentum continued with a Senate Democratic fundraiser at the Missouri Credit Union House, which drew more than 75 attendees, and the annual Pull for PAC event, which raised approximately $2,500 for CUPAC of Missouri.

Looking ahead to 2027, Missouri credit unions are preparing to advance two key legislative priorities: Safe Harbor 2.0, which would provide additional liability protections for credit unions, and stronger protections related to cryptocurrency kiosks to help combat fraud and protect vulnerable Missourians.

Election and policy developments are also shaping the advocacy landscape. Missouri will use its 2022 congressional map for the November general election, while voters consider the proposed 2025 boundaries in a statewide referendum. The advocacy team continues monitoring key races and policy discussions as it prepares to engage lawmakers and advance credit union priorities in the year ahead.

Oklahoma

In Oklahoma, attention is focused on election engagement and a legal challenge surrounding Gov. Kevin Stitt’s call for a statewide vote on whether Oklahoma should hold a constitutional convention. The Oklahoma Supreme Court is scheduled to hear oral arguments Dec. 7 after former Rep. Mark McBride challenged the governor’s authority to submit the question. The State Election Board has asked the court to expedite its consideration because of election preparation deadlines ahead of the proposed April 6 ballot.

Candidate engagement also continued in September. Fort Sill Federal Credit Union hosted Louis Jackson, the Republican nominee for Oklahoma House District 64, for a discussion on key credit union legislative priorities, including an anti-fraud proposal for the 2027 legislative session. District 64 is expected to be competitive as Republicans seek to retain the seat and Democrats seek to gain representation in the Oklahoma House.

Texas

In Texas, the final weeks of the 2026 election cycle are keeping advocates busy. Texas Credit Union Association advocacy staff are traveling across the state to meet with candidates, support get-out-the-vote efforts and deliver political contributions to candidates who support credit unions. Texans will head to the polls Nov. 3, with early voting beginning Oct. 19. At the same time, the association continues preparing for the 2027 legislative session and engaging with current and prospective lawmakers on issues affecting credit unions and their members.

Across Cornerstone’s five states, September highlighted the importance of year-round advocacy and continued engagement. With Election Day approaching and preparations for 2027 underway, there are several opportunities to stay informed, get involved, and make your voice heard. At ELEVATE, submit your questions for our executive directors to answer during Politics on the Rocks and join the conversation. As Election Day approaches, visit America’s Credit Unions’ Credit Unions Vote website for resources to check your voter registration, prepare to vote, and stay engaged in the election process. Together, we can continue strengthening the credit union voice and building momentum for the year ahead.