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News
April 8, 2026
Governor, U.S. Senator set pace for local, state and federal candidates
By LYNN ADAMS SPECIAL TO THE TIMES

More than 600 Oklahomans have filed for district, state and federal offices, according to the Oklahoma State Election Board. That’s more than the 569 who filed four years ago.

Fifteen have filed for governor, and 13 are in the running for U.S. Senator, the two most crowded fields in the state’s midterm elections.

In the governor’s race, nine Republicans are vying for Kevin Stitt’s seat – Jennifere Domenico, Bartlesville; Gentner Drummond, Hominy; Leisa Mitchell Haynes, Choctaw; Chip Keating, Oklahoma City; Mike Mazzei, Tulsa; Charles McCall, Atoka; Jake A. Merrick, Tuttle; Kenneth Sturgell, Goldsby; and Calup Anthony Taylor, Broken Bow.

Three Democrats and three Independents have filed for the gubernatorial seat. For the Democrats – Arya Azma, Oklahoma City; Connie Johnson, Forest Park; and Cyndi Munson, Oklahoma City – and as Independent Robert E. Brooks Sr., Moore; Orlando Lynn Bush, Edmond; and Jerry Griffin, Tulsa.

In the race for Markwayne Mullin’s seat that was vacated when he was named Homeland Security Secretary, there are five Republicans, five Democrats, two Independents and a Libertarian seeking election.

Republican candidates include Sean Buckner, Sallisaw; Gary Ty England, Bethany; Nick Hankins, Moore; Kevin Hern, Tulsa; and Brian Ragain, Chickasha. Democratic candidates are R.O. Joe Cassidy Jr., Ponca City; Troy W. Green, Oklahoma City; Jim Priest, Oklahoma City; N’Kiyla Jasmine Thomas, Ardmore; and Ervin Stone Yen, Oklahoma City. Independent candidates are Ron Meinhardt, Nowata, and Curtis Stinnett, Tulsa, and the Libertarian candidate is Sevier White, Norman.

For the lieutenant governor’s seat, there are six Republicans H. Victor Flores, Edmond; Brian Hill, Mustang; Justin J.J. Humphrey, Lane; David Ostrowe, Oklahoma City; T.W. Shannon, Oklahoma City; and Darrell Weaver, Moore – and a Democrat, Kelly Forbes, Oklahoma City.

For all offices, primary elections for parties with two or more candidates will be June 16. Should runoff primary elections be necessary for candidates who did not receive more than 50% of votes in June 16 primary, those elections will be August 25. The general election is November 3.

Oklahoma’s five U.S. House of Representatives seats attracted 32 candidates – 19 Republicans, nine Democrats and four Independents.

For the District 1 House seat, Republicans are Nathan Butterfield, Owasso; Jed Cochran, Tulsa; Kim David, Porter; Ronald Edward Durbin II, Tulsa; Nancy Dyson, Owasso; Courtney Gill, Tulsa; Jackson Lahmeyer, Owasso; Dan Rooney, Owasso; Paul Royse, Tulsa; Mark Tedford, Tulsa; Kelly B. Walsh, Tulsa and Todd Woods, Tulsa. The lone Democrat in the race is John Croisant, Tulsa.

In District 2, Republicans Josh Brecheen, Coalgate, the incumbent, is being challenged by Will Webb, Eufaula. Democratic candidates are Erik Terwey and Brandon Wade, both of Bartlesville, and the lone Independent candidate is Ronnie Hopkins, Rose.

In District 3, Republicans Wade Burleson, Enid, is challenging incumbent Frank D. Lucas, Cheyenne. Democratic candidates are Suzie Byrd, Enid, and Jules Roberson, Anadarko.

In District 4, Republicans Tom Cole, Moore, the incumbent, is being challenged by Marcie Everhart, Moore. Democratic candidates are Mitchell Jacob, Newcastle, and Jeff Pixley, Norman, and the lone Independent candidate is Rocco Bonacci, Lawton.

For District 5, incumbent Stephanie Bice, Oklahoma City, is the only Republican. Democrats hoping to challenge for the seat are Trey Martin and Jena Nelson, both from Edmond, and Independent hopefuls are Robert P. Henri, Edmond, and Austin Nieves, Oklahoma City.

— Other Statewide Races

In other statewide races, Republicans Jon Echols and Jeff Starling along with Democrat Nick Coffey, all from Oklahoma City, are candidates for attorney general.

In the race for superintendent of public instruction, Republican candidates include John Cox, Hulbert; William E. Crozier, Union City; Robert Franklin, Sand Springs; Toni Hasenbeck, Fletcher; Debra A. Herlihy, Yukon; Adam Pugh, Edmond; and James Taylor, Oklahoma City. Democratic candidates are Jennettie Marshall, Tulsa, and Craig McVay, El Reno.

Vying for state treasurer are Republicans Cindy Byrd, Coalgate, and Todd Russ, Cordell, along with Libertarian Kiefer Perry, Broken Arrow.

In the race for commissioner of labor, Democrat Kevin Dawson, Norman, and Libertarian Mike Hall, Oklahoma City, are joined by a field of Republicans that includes Lisa Janloo, Oklahoma City; John Pfeiffer, Mulhall; Keith Swinton, Norman; and Kevin West, Moore.

In the race for corporation commissioner are Democrats Donald Anthony Clytus, Oklahoma City, Rhonda Eastman, Spiro, and Harold D. Spradling, Oklahoma City, along with Republicans Brad Boles, Marlow, and Justin Hornback, Broken Arrow.

Vying for insurance commissioner are Republicans Chris Merideth, Edmond; Marty L. Quinn, Owasso; Greta Shuler, Shawnee; and Bob Sullivan, Inola. Craig MacIntyre, Shawnee, is the only Democratic hopeful.

Republican Melissa Capps, Mc-Loud, is the only candidate for state auditor and inspector.

OSUIT medication take-back event planned April 15
A: Main
OSUIT medication take-back event planned April 15
April 8, 2026
Area residents will have an opportunity to safely dispose of unused medications and medical sharps during a special take-back event scheduled for Wednesday, April 15, at OSUIT. The event will take pla...
News
Legislative forum held
By DAWN CARTER REPORTER 
April 8, 2026
Local residents gathered at Mabrey Bank on April 3 to hear updates from state legislators on the progress of the 2026 Oklahoma legislative session. Topics included the state budget, Medicaid funding c...
Schools warn of risks of ‘Senior Assassin’ game
News
Schools warn of risks of ‘Senior Assassin’ game
By Patrick Ford Editor 
April 8, 2026
As graduation season approaches, a long-standing senior tradition is once again drawing attention - not for its fun, but for its potential dangers. Known as “Senior Assassin,” the game has been popula...
News
Okmulgee Main Street releases full 2026 calendar
April 8, 2026
A full year of community celebration, engagement and economic vitality is on the horizon as Okmulgee Main Street has released its 2026 calendar of events, offering residents and visitors a wide variet...
News
April 8 Topsy Turvey Gathering |
April 8, 2026
First United Methodist Church, 302 S. Seminole Ave. in Okmulgee, hosts a Topsy Turvey Gathering the second Wednesday of each month from 5-7 p.m. The gathering welcomes all ages, and features free game...
News
HOROSCOPES
April 8, 2026
ARIES – Mar 21/Apr 20 Aries, you are catching a second wind this week that could rival a hurricane. No one can slow you down right now. Channel this energy into a passion project. TAURUS – Apr 21/May ...
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Early budget agreement mostly good for state’s children
Columns & Opinion
Early budget agreement mostly good for state’s children
April 8, 2026
Gov. Kevin Stitt and Republican leaders from the state Legislature announced a budget agreement last week. The Fiscal Year 27 (FY27) budget pro‑posal totals $12.8 billion, an increase of 1.52% or near...
Friends are unaware of silent suffering
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Friends are unaware of silent suffering
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DEAR ABBY: I have a neurological disorder and can no longer keep up with my friends (who used to be my friends). I don’t explain the prob‑lems I have and why I can’t do the things I used to do unless ...
100 Years Ago (1926)
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• Okmulgee hosted the state’s poster advertising association for its an‑nual two‑day meeting, with Mayor W.C. McA‑doo offering the wel‑come as delegates gath‑ered at the Episcopal parish house. Speake...
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Religion
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April 8, 2026
“If Jesus made me breakfast, I’d hope for chocolate chip pancakes,” says Ella, 9. “And maybe a side of heavenly bacon.” It’s a fun thought, but what Jesus served on the shore of the Sea of Galilee aft...
Religion
Won’t You Be My Neighbor?
By MARY MORRIS HENRYETTA RESIDENT 
April 8, 2026
Genesis 4:9 - Then the Lord said to Cain, “Where is Abel your brother?” And he said, “I do not know. Am I my brother’s keeper?” Matthew 22:36-40 - “Teacher, which is the great commandment in the Law?”...
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