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Reproductive Rights Profiles
Trevor Pemberton’s Record Against Reproductive Freedom
We strongly oppose Trevor Pemberton, Trump's pick to serve on the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Oklahoma
Key Takeaways
- Reproductive Freedom for All strongly opposes Trevor Pemberton, Trump's pick to serve on the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Oklahoma
- Reproductive Freedom for All opposes his nomination due to his record of hostility toward reproductive freedom.
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- Trump has a deeply troubling track record of nominating judges who oppose reproductive freedom, reflecting the Trump administration’s vision for courts that are hostile to the basic reproductive rights and freedoms for all.
Who is Trevor Pemberton?
While he was General Counsel for the Oklahoma Governor J. Kevin Stitt, Pemberton called an Oklahoma Supreme Court decision affirming the right to abortion to save a pregnant person’s life under the state’s constitution “remarkably troubling.”
Dive Deeper: Trevor Pemberton’s Anti-Repro Record
Opposition to Reproductive Freedom
As General Counsel for the Oklahoma Governor J. Kevin Stitt, Pemberton publicized his anti-abortion views at an Oklahoma rotary club meeting.
In March 2023, the Oklahoma Supreme Court affirmed the state’s total abortion ban, but found there was a right under the state constitution to end a pregnancy if the pregnancy, or medical conditions resulting from pregnancy, would endanger the pregnant person’s life.
Pemberton characterized the Oklahoma Supreme Court decision as “remarkably troubling,” arguing that the Oklahoma Constitution does not protect abortion under any circumstances, even to protect the life of the pregnant person.
Affiliations with Anti-Reproductive Freedom Organization
Pemberton has been a member of the Federalist Society since 2023. The Federalist Society is a well-funded, conservative legal network that exerts influence through law schools, professional networks, conferences, and over the judiciary at large. It serves as a talent and influence pipeline for the conservative movement to help cultivate young lawyers and pack the courts with judges who will execute their unpopular agenda, which includes undermining reproductive freedom.
Career
- Bachelor of Arts, University of Oklahoma, 2005
- Juris Doctor, Oklahoma City University School of Law, 2008
- Associate, Foliart, Huff, Ottawa & Bottom, 2008-2009
- Managing Member/Partner, Trevor S. Pemberton P.C., 2009-2016
- Associate Attorney, Hayes, Magrini & Gatewood, 2016-2017
- Oklahoma County District Court, 2017-2020
- Special District Judge, 2017-2018
- District Judge, 2018-2020
- Chief District Judge, Oklahoma County Juvenile Division, 2019-2020
- Judge, Oklahoma Court of Civil Appeals, 2020-2021
- Adjunct Professor, Oklahoma City University School of Law, 2021
- General Counsel, Office of Oklahoma Governor J. Kevin Stitt, 2021-2024
- Limited Partner, Hunnbunny Biscuit Co. LP, 2018-present
- Managing Member/Partner, Pemberton Law Group, PLLC, 2024-present
- Regent, Oklahoma State Regents for Higher Education, 2026-present
Trevor Pemberton's Record Against Democracy and Voting Rights
While in private practice, Pemberton represented the Oklahoma Republican Party in a lawsuit seeking to block a ballot initiative that would change how Oklahoma conducts primary elections.
In January 2025, a ballot initiative was introduced through a proposed amendment that would allow for all candidates in an election to appear on the same primary ballot, and for qualified voters to vote for any candidate regardless of political affiliation or party registration.
Pemberton argued the ballot initiative violated the First Amendment because it would force political parties to associate with candidates against their will, and that the proposed new primary system was misleading. The Oklahoma Supreme Court rejected Pemberton’s arguments and proceeded with the ballot initiative process.
The Big Picture
Trump has a deeply troubling track record of nominating judges who oppose reproductive freedom, reflecting the Trump administration’s vision for courts that are hostile to the basic reproductive rights and freedoms for all.
Decisions made by these judges will impact our health, access to care, and daily lives, and we deserve to know whether these nominees are committed to fairness and equality under the law or if they are beholden to an ideology or agenda opposing reproductive freedom.
Citations and Sources
- Trevor Pemberton, Questionnaire for Judicial Nominees, United States Senate Committee on the Judiciary (Aug. 19, 2026).
- Trevor Pemberton, Attachment Package for the Questionnaire for Judicial Nominees, p. 247-248, United States Senate Committee on the Judiciary (Aug. 19, 2026).
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- Okla. Call for Reprod. Just. v. Drummond, 2023 OK 24, 526 P.3d 1123, 1130.
- Kelci McKendrick, Stitt counsel discusses school choice, Enid News & Eagle (Mar. 27, 2023) (copied supplied); See Trevor Pemberton, Attachment Package for the Questionnaire for Judicial Nominees, p. 247-248, United States Senate Committee on the Judiciary (Aug. 19, 2026).
- Trevor Pemberton, Questionnaire for Judicial Nominees, P. 8, United States Senate Committee on the Judiciary (Aug. 19, 2026).
- Okla. Republican Party v. Setter (In re Initiative Petition No. 448), 2025 OK 56, 577 P.3d 276.
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