Early Life and Business Career
Stephanie Bice was born Stephanie Irene Asady on November 11, 1973, in Oklahoma City. Her roots in the state are deep, with her mother's family having been there for generations. Her father, an immigrant from Iran, came to the U.S. to study computer science. After graduating from Putnam City High School, Bice attended Oklahoma State University, earning a bachelor's degree in marketing with a minor in international business. Before entering public service, she spent eight years working for her family's technology company in roles focused on financial oversight and business strategy. She later transitioned to a leadership role at a boutique digital marketing agency in Oklahoma City, giving her firsthand experience with the challenges facing small
business owners.
Entry into Politics: The Oklahoma State Senate
Bice's political career began in 2014 when she was elected to the Oklahoma Senate to represent the 22nd district. During her six years in the state legislature, she quickly established herself as a key player, eventually being elected Assistant Majority Floor Leader by the Republican caucus. One of her most significant legislative achievements was authoring a bill to modernize Oklahoma's liquor laws, the first major overhaul since the state repealed prohibition in 1959. This reform, which allowed grocery stores to sell wine and high-point beer, was praised for boosting consumer choice and was credited with creating thousands of new jobs as new breweries, wineries, and distilleries opened. She also chaired the Senate Finance Committee, where she focused on increasing fiscal discipline and oversight of state agency budgets.
A Historic Election to Congress
In 2020, Bice set her sights on national office, launching a campaign for Oklahoma's 5th congressional district. The seat was held by first-term Democrat Kendra Horn, who had flipped the traditionally Republican district in 2018. After a competitive Republican primary that went to a runoff, Bice emerged as the nominee. She went on to defeat Horn in the general election, a victory that was particularly noteworthy as it was the only congressional seat that Republicans flipped from blue to red in the entire 2020 election cycle. With her election, Bice also made history as the first American of Iranian descent to be elected to Congress.
Career and Record in the U.S. House
Since taking office on January 3, 2021, Stephanie Bice has carved out a role as a staunch conservative. Her peers elected her Freshman Class President, and she has served in leadership as part of the Republican Whip Team. Her committee assignments have included influential panels like the House Committee on Appropriations and the Committee on House Administration, where she has chaired the Subcommittee on Modernization. Her legislative priorities reflect a focus on cutting federal spending, reducing regulations, and promoting American energy independence, particularly Oklahoma's oil and gas industry. Her voting record aligns with conservative positions on fiscal policy and social issues; she has consistently voted to protect the rights of gun owners and supports pro-life legislation. Bice has been reelected to her seat and continues to represent the district.
