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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.

A: Main
Molet, Moore win school board races
By Patrick Ford Editor 
April 10, 2026
Voters across Okmulgee County went to the polls April 7 to decide a slate of school board races and propositions, with the most closely watched contests taking place in Henryetta and Wilson Public Sch...
Keating to be featured at April 14 event
A: Main
Keating to be featured at April 14 event
April 10, 2026
Residents will have an opportunity to hear directly from gubernatorial candidate Chip Keating during an upcoming “Meet Our Candidate” event in Henryetta. The event is scheduled for Tuesday, April 14, ...
“For me
A: Main, Main...
“For me
By Patrick Ford Editor 
April 10, 2026
“For me, that first bite brought back memories from over 35 years ago.” What started as a nostalgic throwback quickly turned into a full-fledged community celebration this week, as the City of Okmulge...
Upgrades bring new life, dignity to Family Resource Center
A: Main
Upgrades bring new life, dignity to Family Resource Center
By Patrick Ford Editor 
April 10, 2026
Thanks to generous grant funding from United Way and the Viersen Foundation, the Okmulgee County Family Resource Center is undergoing a meaningful transformation - one that is already making a powerfu...
Spring Blooms & Big Plans
A: Main
Spring Blooms & Big Plans
April 10, 2026
The Okmulgee County Community Garden is preparing to welcome the community for a vibrant, hands-on spring event that promises something for everyone - from seasoned gardeners to curious beginners. Set...
The Rades bring lifetime of stories back home to Okmulgee
News
The Rades bring lifetime of stories back home to Okmulgee
April 10, 2026
Some people answer a question and keep it moving. Donald Rade answers a question and opens a door to another decade, another town, another job, another close call, and somehow, by the end of it, you a...
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Vigilante Journalism
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Vigilante Journalism
By J.C. HALLMAN OKLAHOMA WATCH 
April 10, 2026
Depending on which editor you talk to, the Oklahoma media intelligentsia is horrified, nonplussed or grateful for a parallel ecosystem of vigilante or alternative journalists who in recent years have ...
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Public comment sought on Energy Assistance Program
April 10, 2026
Oklahoma Human Services (OHS) is seeking public comments about the federally-funded Energy Assistance Program through a public comment meeting. The meeting will be held from 11 a.m. to noon on Thursda...
News
Dewar Indian Community to hold special election
April 10, 2026
Members of the Dewar Indian Community are being called to participate in a special election later this month, with all positions currently vacant and open for nomination. According to the official not...
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Election Board seeking Election Day poll workers
April 10, 2026
The Okmulgee County Election Board announced today that it is accepting applications for Precinct Officials (poll workers) through May 8. Residents interested in serving their community on Election Da...
Spaghetti Dinner Planned April 20
News
Spaghetti Dinner Planned April 20
April 10, 2026
Community members are invited to enjoy an evening of food, fellowship and fundraising, as Landmark for All Generations, Inc. hosts a Spaghetti Dinner & Raffle Fundraiser on Monday, April 20. The event...
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