Gary Dale Batton (born December 15, 1966) is a tribal administrator and politician, the current and 47th Chief of the Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma.

During his career as executive director, Batton assisted by adding, replacing, and expanding clinics, as well as enhancing the treatment of alcohol and drug abuse.

During that time, the tribe was embroiled in allegations of corruption by contractors and a tribal officer related to construction projects, including one for a casino.

"[2] On November 20, Jason Brett Merida, executive director of construction for the Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma, was found guilty on six counts of a seven-count indictment.

Batton insists that refusing citizenship to the freedmen is "not a race issue,"[9] and was joined by Dr. Carter Blue Clark, a Muscogee Nation citizen and a professor of Indigenous Law at Oklahoma City University, in claiming it is an issue of tribal sovereignty, and no business of the federal government.

[12][13] His decision was reportedly criticized by some in the tribal council, as the tribes had remained neutral to this point and never endorsed state-wide candidates before.

After the ruling, Batton took no steps to challenge the court, instead stating "we offer our love and support to the family involved in this case.