Broad efforts by hardline conservative groups to dethrone incumbent Oklahoma Republicans fell short Tuesday evening, as the majority of Oklahoma’s sitting House and Senate members retained their seats. Nearly a dozen incumbents were retained outright on Election Day.
Although more than two dozen races will be contested in November, and 15 more are headed to an August runoff, 17 races were decided by primary contests. In the 17 races outlined below, 10 incumbents retained their seats and seven political newcomers were elected to the Legislature owing to the absence of a general election challenger. The seven newcomers won open seats.
All June 16 election results are unofficial until certified by the Oklahoma State Election Board.
SD 20: Hall laps LeMarr
In Senate District 20, Senate Appropriations and Budget Committee Chairman Chuck Hall (R-Perry) received 56.4 percent (6,707 votes) to defeat pastor and former Cimarron Mayor Mark LeMarr, who drew 43.6 percent (5,180 votes).
The race was one of several Senate races that piqued the interest of political insiders owing to hardline conservative members of Oklahoma’s political parade honing in on Hall, whom they dubbed a member of the “Swamp 7.” Hall and his compatriots were successful in fending off their insurgent challengers.
“I’m grateful for the continued support of my constituents and for the faith they have put in me to serve District 20 for another four years,” Hall said in a statement. “It is truly an honor.”
SD 38: Vernon vanquishes Buchanan
In Senate District 38, Altus attorney Rick Vernon drew 50.6 percent (4,157 votes) to secure the southwest Oklahoma seat over former Altus Fire Chief Joe Buchanan who received 43 percent (3,533 votes). Sen. Brent Howard (R-Altus) chose not to run for a third and final term.
HD 8: Gann fries Rice
In House District 8, Rep. Tom Gann (R-Inola) received 54 percent (3,173) over challenger Todd Rice, who drew 46 percent (2,699 votes).
With his electoral victory, Gann will continue representing the district he has served since 2016. Gann is one of the House’s most conservative members who has pushed back against Flock cameras, state investment incentives for major manufacturing developments and the securitized debt on utility bills from Winter Storm Uri.
HD 11: Kane stumps Stearman
In House District 11, House Appropriations and Budget Committee Vice Chairman John Kane (R-Collinsville) drew 70 percent (3,789 votes) to defeat former Rep. Wendi Stearman, who received 30 percent (1,624 votes). Kane ousted Stearman in the 2022 GOP primary.
In a Facebook post Tuesday night, Kane thanked supporters.
“I will continue fighting for the conservative values we share, standing up for hardworking Oklahoma families and working every day to keep our district strong,” Kane said.
HD 29: Speaker secures House seat
In House District 29, Speaker Kyle Hilbert (R-Bristow) received 75.5 percent (3,734 votes) to defeat Brian Jackson, who received 24.5 percent (1,209 votes).
Hilbert did not release a statement after Tuesday night’s election results rolled in. Jackson made a Facebook post in which he thanked voters.
“What an honor to have ran a healthy campaign to encourage others to come together and share voices across neighboring communities. Thanks to all for encouraging me. We are not finished, so let’s keep working together,” Jackson said.
HD 31: Duel defeats Grider
In House District 31, Rep. Collin Duel (R-Guthrie) received 57.4 percent (3,052 votes) to defeat Karmin Grider, who drew 42.6 percent (2,268 votes).
In a Facebook post Tuesday night, Duel said he will “spend every day in that Capitol working to be worthy of your trust.”
HD 35: Travis triumphs to secure full term
In House District 35, Rep. Dillon Travis (R-Maramec) drew 64.73 percent (3,328 votes) over challenger Kevin Wright to secure a full two-year term. Travis was elected to the legislature in February to finish the final year of Ty Burns’ unexpired term. Burns resigned after pleading guilty to domestic violence charges. Wright received 35.3 percent (1,813 votes).
In a Facebook post, Travis wrote that he is “honored” to serve a full two-year term.
“As I continue serving House District 35, I remain committed to fighting for the rural values we care so deeply about and delivering results for the hardworking people of our communities,” Travis said.
HD 37: Grace sacks Sacket
In the open House District 37, Spencer Grace drew 61.04 percent (2,946 votes) over Jeremy Sacket to succeed Rep. Ken Luttrell (R-Ponca City), who could not seek reelection because of term limits. Sacket received 39 percent (1,880 votes).
In a Facebook post, Grace wrote that “God is good,” and he thanked HD 37 constituents.
Sacket took to Facebook to congratulate Grace and wrote that his “commitment to this community does not end tonight.”
HD 39: Harris houses Peterson
In House District 39, Rep. Erick Harris (R-Edmond), who received 60.8 percent (3,008 votes), defeated Rhonda Peterson, who received 39.2 percent (1,940).
“I am honored. I am humbled. And I am ready to get back to work for you as your state representative,” Harris posted in a Facebook statement Tuesday evening, accompanied by a photo of his family and proclamation of “celebratory juice boxes for all!”
HD 40: Jordan jumps Turnbow
In the open House District 40, Kinsley Jordan received 52.4 percent (2,061 votes) over Torry Turnbow who received 47.6 percent (1,873). Jordan will succeed Rep. Chad Caldwell (R-Enid), who could not seek reelection because of term limits.
In a Facebook post, Jordan expressed his excitement to join the legislature.
“Together, we can create jobs, strengthen our schools, support our famillies, invest in our future and build the kind of community where people do not just live — they flourish,” Jordan said.
He also expressed a desire to work with Turnbow, stating that together “we have 100 percent of the vote.”
HD 42: Roe kicks Keith
In House District 42, Rep. Cynthia Roe (R-Lindsay) drew 53.1 percent (2,553 votes) over challenger Kaity Keith. Keith received 46.9 percent (2,255 votes).
“District 42, thank you so much for your continued support and trust in me,” Roe wrote Tuesday evening. “I look forward to continuing to be your voice at the Capitol.”
HD 51: Stevens eliminates Elliot
In the open House District 51, Cole Stevens received 53.4 percent (3,227 votes) to defeat Cody Elliot, who received 46.6 percent (2,816 votes). Elliot will succeed Rep. Brad Boles (R-Marlow), who did not seek reelection to the seat because he is running for corporation commissioner.
HD 65: Mitchell wins against Weaver
In the open House District 65, Sam Mitchell defeated Carla Blue Weaver. Mitchell received 57.4 percent (1,968 votes) to defeat Blue Weaver, who received 42.6 percent (1,460 votes). Mitchell will succeed Rep. Toni Hasenbeck (R-Elgin) did not seek reelection to the seat as she is mounting a bid for state superintendent of public instruction. Hasenbeck’s bid was ultimately unsuccessful.
“From Lawton to Eakly and from Carnegie to Verden and every community in between, I want to thank all of you who donated to help our campaign,” Mitchell wrote in a Wednesday morning Facebook post.
HD 73: Stewart outruns Ross
In House District 73, Rep. Ron Stewart (D-Tulsa) drew 64.9 percent (2,286 votes) to fend off challenger Ed Ross, who received 35.1 percent (1,238 votes).
HD 77: Gabriel wallops withdrawn Waldron
In House District 77, Kristina Gabriel drew 82.7 percent (1,248 votes) to defeat Rep. John Waldron (D-Tulsa). While Waldron’s name remained on the ballot, he did not campaign for reelection following revelations that he resigned from his position as party chairman in December because of inappropriate AI-generated images he had sent to a potential candidate. He submitted an HD 77 resignation letter in April that is effective Oct. 1.
HD 92: Grimaldo grabs two wins
In the vacant House District 92, Sam Wargin Grimaldo defeated Vicki Ruth Werneke for the remainder of Rep. Forrest Bennett’s unexpired term and a full term thereafter. Bennett stepped down from his seat in November to become the state AFL-CIO president. Wargin Grimaldo received 51.1 percent (580 votes) to snag the unexpired term over Ruth Werneke, who received 48.9 percent (555 votes). For the full term, Wargin Grimaldo received 51.3 percent (574 votes) and Ruth Werneke received 48.7 percent (544 votes).
“I’m endlessly grateful to every single one of you who believed in this campaign, who put your money where your heart is, and who walked the walk with me,” Grimaldo wrote in a Wednesday Facebook post. “Through consistent outreach into our community and a dedicated desire to hear our neighbors and incorporate their voices into this work, we are bringing inclusive representation to HD92.”
HD 97: Timmons takes titanic win
In House District 97, Rep. Aletia Timmons (D-OKC) received 85.6 percent (3,872 votes) to defeat Chimere Grant, who received 14.4 percent (653 votes).
“I am deeply grateful for the opportunity to continue to serve House District 97 and honored by the support you have shown throughout this journey,” Timmons said in an Election Day statement. “I remain committed to working for the betterment of our neighborhoods, families and future.”
Dozens of races decided in April
While many Republicans faced primary challengers, a handful of Senate Democrats up for reelection — and one Senate Republican — did not draw challengers from either side of the aisle during the April filing period. As such, the following Senators were effectively reelected by default:
- Senate Minority Leader Julia Kirt (D-OKC);
- Sen. Jerry Alvord (R-Wilson);
- Sen. Mary Boren (D-Norman)
- Sen. Carri Hicks (D-OKC);
- Sen. Michael Brooks (D-OKC);
- Sen. Mark Mann (D-OKC); and
- Sen. Nikki Nice (D-OKC);
More than two dozen members of the Oklahoma House were also effectively reelected in April because no one filed to run against them:
- Rep. Jim Olsen (R-Roland);
- Rep. Josh West (R-Grove);
- Rep. Steve Bashore (R-Miami);
- Rep. Neil Hays (R-Checotah);
- Rep. Tim Turner (R-Kinita);
- Rep. Jim Grego (R-Wilburton);
- Rep. Cody Maynard (R-Durant);
- Rep. Ryan Eaves (R-Atoka);
- Rep. Ronny Johns (R-Ada);
- Rep. Jay Steagall (R-Yukon);
- Rep. Jared Deck (D-Norman);
- Rep. Jacob Rosecrants (D-Norman);
- Rep. Tammy Townley (R-Ardmore);
- Rep. Stacy Jo Adams (R-Duncan);
- Rep. Gerrid Kendrix (R-Altus);
- Rep. Nick Archer (R-Elk City);
- Speaker Pro Tempore Anthony Moore (R-Clinton)
- Rep. Mike Dobrinski (R-Okeene);
- Rep. Kenton Patzkowski (R-Balko);
- Rep. Rob Hall (R-Tulsa);
- Rep. Suzanne Schreiber (D-Tulsa);
- Rep. Amanda Clinton (D-Tulsa);
- Rep. Ellen Pogemiller (D-OKC);
- Rep. Arturo Alonso (D-OKC);
- Rep. Mickey Dollens (D-OKC);
- Rep. Andy Fugate (D-OKC); and
- Rep. Robert Manger (R-OKC)
