The 2026 candidate filing period is officially underway, with several individuals submitting their paperwork on the opening day for county, state and judicial offices.
Several county-level positions saw candidates file on the first day, including key leadership roles:
• County Assessor (R): W. Haley Brice, 35, of Okmulgee
• County Treasurer (R): W. Lindsay Bunch, 31, of Henryetta
• County Commissioner District 1 (R): Ernie Ferreira, 55, of Beggs
• County Commissioner District 3 (R): Brandon England, 44, of Henryetta
• County Commissioner District 3 (R): Michael Wallace, 47, of Morris The District 3 commissioner race is the only county contest so far featuring multiple candidates, setting up an early primary battle if additional filings are not made before the deadline.
— State, judicial filings begin State-level races affecting Okmulgee County also saw initial filings on Wednesday.
For State Senator, District 8, two candidates filed:
• Bryan Logan (R)
• Nathan Brewer (D) In State Representative, District 16, candidates include:
• David Nelson (R)
• Rose Lynch (D) Meanwhile, judicial and legal offices also drew early candidates:
• Associate District Judge (Okmulgee County, Nonpartisan): Javier Ramirez
• District Attorney, District 25 (R): Carol Iski April 3 is Good Friday, and the courthouse will be closed on this holiday. All declarations must be notarized before coming to the Election Board office. There will be no notary available at the courthouse to notarize paperwork.
Early voting also takes place on Good Friday, and the office is open until 6 p.m. However, the statutory filing period will close at 5 p.m.
The candidate filing period remains open through Friday at the Okmulgee County Election Board for those seeking local offices. All candidates must file in person during designated hours to appear on the ballot.
Voters are encouraged to stay informed as the candidate field takes shape in the coming days, with decisions at the county, district and state levels set to impact Okmulgee County’s future.
