Of 25 legislative primary races featuring at least three candidates Tuesday in Oklahoma, 15 are headed for the Aug. 25 runoff, with the overtime dash deciding one Democratic primary, 14 Republican ones and some races in full.
Meanwhile, of Oklahoma’s 152 elected judicial offices, six nonpartisan judicial races featuring at least three candidates held first-round elections Tuesday, five of which will head to runoffs. Drew Phillip Cunningham won the Woods County associate district judge seat outright, garnering 52.9 percent support (1,218 votes).
All June 16 election results are unofficial until they are certified by the Oklahoma State Election Board.
While the Democratic nomination for U.S. Senate and several statewide Republican primaries will also hit the runoff, the following article looks at the State Senate, House, and judicial candidates who will continue campaigning over the next 10 weeks, hoping to win a seat outright in August or advance from runoffs to the Nov. 3 general election.
SD 17: Former Sac and Fox Nation chief, Pottawatomie County commissioner advance
Former Sac and Fox Nation Principal Chief Justin Wood narrowly missed the majority threshold needed to reach the Nov. 3 general election, instead advancing to a Senate District 17 runoff after receiving 45.3 percent support (4,225 votes). Former Sac and Fox Nation employee and current Pottawatomie County District 3 Commissioner Abby Thompson received 18.9 percent support (1,761 votes) to finish second and also advance.
Only 11 votes behind Thompson, veteran Steve King garnered 18.8 percent support (1,750 votes). Retired Oklahoma City firefighter Randy Cornelius finished with 17.1 percent support (1,596 votes).
The winner of the SD 17 Aug. 25 runoff will face the Democratic nominee Ed Bolt in the Nov. 3 general election. SD 17 became an off-cycle open seat owing to Sen. Shane Jett (R-Shawnee) being term-limited mid-term owing to prior House service. Wood also previously represented the Shawnee area in the House, but he only served four years, meaning he is eligible to serve up to two Senate terms if elected.
SD 18: Project manager pushes Stewart to runoff
In what was already a tough night for the insurgent Freedom Caucus, incumbent Sen.. Jack Stewart (R-Yukon) received only 45.8 percent support (3,663 votes) and will head to a runoff against project manager Tyler Herring, who received 35.2 percent support (2,821 votes). Substitute teacher Misty Shannon received 19 percent support (1,523 votes).
Stewart, a former Canadian County commissioner who has represented SD 18 for four years, has voted against notable priorities of Senate Republican leadership, including measures supported by tribal nations. Sometimes those votes have aligned him with the Freedom Caucus, a group of about 10 of Oklahoma’s most conservative Republican senators that saw its vice chairman defeated Tuesday night.
Herring is the husband of lobbyist Brittany Adkins-Herring and the son-in-law of lobbyist Dennis Adkins. Through the firm AA-Advocates, the Adkins represent a variety of clients.
The winner of the Aug. 25 runoff will face Democrat Meredith McGinnis — an attorney and aspiring boxer — on Nov. 3.
SD 24: Optometrist eyes tough pieces of steak
In Moore’s open Senate District 24 seat, Dr. Jon Painter, an optometrist, received 34.5 percent support (2,682 votes) and business owner Robert Keyes came in second, earning 23.2 percent (1,807 votes).
Former Oklahoma City police officer Bryan Husted received 19.2 percent support (1,491 votes), Cleveland County GOP state committeewoman Heather Boss received 14.1 percent support (1,095 votes) and OKFB- endorsed candidate Tammi Didlot received 9.1 percent support (705 votes).
Keyes — whose campaign slogan is, “Tougher than a $2 steak” — thanked his supporters Tuesday night.
“You showed that Republicans in Senate District 24 are ready for a senator who will stand with President Trump and advance the America First agenda. If elected, I plan to do just that by protecting our Second Amendment rights, unleashing our state’s energy industry, cutting taxes, growing Oklahoma businesses, and ending handouts to foreign companies,” Keyes wrote. “With the first part of this campaign behind us, I look forward to sharing my message with more Oklahomans and growing my support in the coming weeks.”
In 2024, Keyes was one of six GOP candidates who ran for Senate District 15. He finished with 26.75 percent of the primary vote and advanced to the runoff election, where he lost to now Sen. Lisa Standridge (R-Norman) by only 56 votes. According to his campaign finance reports filed with the Ethics Commission, Keyes has raised about $15,200 from individuals but has loaned his campaign $300,000 this cycle.
Painter has raised $34,725 from individuals and loaned himself about $57,700, according to his campaign finance reports. He also received $1,000 from the Oklahoma Optometric PAC, a contribution running contrary to a claim on Painter’s website pledging not to accept donations from lobbyists and PACS.
The winner of the Aug. 25 runoff will face Democrat Jonathan Morales and independent candidate Melissa Elder in the Nov. 3 general election. SD 24 is currently held by Sen. Darrell Weaver (R-Moore) who lost his bid for lieutenant governor Tuesday.
SD 26: Koch, Winegeart leave Butler behind
Advancing to an Aug. 25 runoff for Senate District 26 in western Oklahoma, small business owner Rick Koch received 37.6 percent support (3,785 votes) and OKFB-endorsed candidate Jessica Winegeart received 33.6 percent support (3,378 votes). Brady Butler, who received support from the Freedom Caucus, came in last place garnering 28.8 percent support (2,901 votes).
Incumbent Sen. Darcy Jech (R-Kingfisher) has reached his 12-year term limit, making him ineligible for another term.
Koch’s campaign finance reports filed with the Ethics Commission show he has raised about $88,300 from individual donors and $2,000 from PACs. But the majority of his campaign’s massive financial lead in the SD 26 race has come from his own pocket. With an additional $50,000 loan reported June 11, Koch has provided $225,000 to his campaign already.
According to her campaign finance reports filed with the Ethics Commission, Winegeart has raised about $27,800 from individuals and $13,000 from PACs, also loaning her campaign $10,500.
The candidate who wins the Aug. 25 runoff will be the district’s next senator, as no one else filed for the open seat.
SD 32: Deevers down, misses runoff
With a 4 percent margin between the two leading candidates, Dr. Jean Hausheer advanced to the Aug. 25 runoff in Senate District 32 with 37 percent support (1,815), and pastor Curtis W. Erwin advanced with 33.1 percent support (1,627 votes). Incumbent Sen. Dusty Deevers (R-Elgin), a founding member and vice chairman of the Freedom Caucus, finished in third with 29.9 percent support (1,470 votes).
Hausheer, an eye surgeon, thanked Republican voters in the southwest Oklahoma district.
“Finishing first tonight sends a clear message: our community is tired of drama and political games and ready for effective conservative representation that delivers for our families,” Hausheer wrote. “Tonight, we celebrate. Tomorrow, the hard work begins — and I intend to finish strong for the people of this district.”
In a Facebook video, Erwin also thanked voters.
“We made it to a runoff. It’s been a long election. We’ve got two more months to a runoff and I appreciate your vote and it’s a good night and we will move forward,” Erwin said.
The winner of the Aug. 25 runoff will face Democrat Booker Newton and independent Valentin Peña in the Nov. 3 general election.
SD 34: Prieto pressed into runoff
Freedom Caucus member and incumbent Sen. Dana Prieto (R-Tulsa) received 29.4 percent support (1,594 votes), while biomedical engineer and Taekwondo black belt Aaron Forst received 27.3 percent support (1,479 votes).
Both will advance to the Aug. 25 runoff election, leaving behind Kent Taylor, who received 25.6 percent support (1,386 votes), as well as Brent Driskell, a business owner who received 17.7 percent support (960 votes).
The winner of the runoff election will face Democrat Amy Hossein in the Nov. 3 general election.
HD 1: Former McCurtain County commissioner advances, faces lifelong rancher
In House District 1 covering far southeast Oklahoma, former McCurtain County Commissioner Chris White received 40.7 percent support (1,755 votes) and will advance to a runoff against volunteer firefighter and lifelong rancher George Phipps, who received 33 percent support (1,423 votes). Former Red Oak Public Schools Superintendent Wes Watson received 14.5 percent support (626 votes) and classroom teacher Austin Loard received 11.8 percent support (511 votes). Rep. Eddy Dempsey (R-Valliant) did not seek reelection.
The winner of the Aug. 25 runoff will win the seat because Idabel Democrat Kurt Reisdorf withdrew his candidacy on April 27.
HD 9: Retired firefighter, field representative for former U.S. senator advance
In the Claremore area’s House District 9, retired Tulsa firefighter Scotty Stokes received 42.6 percent support (2,039 votes), advancing to the Aug. 25 runoff to face Crystal Campbell, a former field representative for a U.S. senator. Campbell received 33.5 percent support (1,605 votes). Debbie Long, a former mayor of Claremore, finished last with 23.9 percent support (1,147 votes).
The winner of the runoff will face Democratic nominee Andrea Biscardi in the Nov. 3 general election, running to succeed term-limited Rep. Mark Lepak (R-Claremore).
HD 18: Educator shoves Smith into runoff
Rep. David Smith (R-Arpelar), who has been the House District 18 incumbent since 2018, garnered 47.4 percent support (1,759 votes). A former head of the Oklahoma State Department of Education’s grant writing program, Pamela Gordon, followed with 30.5 percent support (1,132 votes), beating out Shelton Foster, a retired fire chief who received 22.1 percent support (820 votes).
The winner of the Aug. 25 runoff will take the seat, as no candidates from other parties filed.
HD 19: Almost dubbed, DeVore to face Brittingham
Missing the mark to advance to the general election by a less than 1 percent margin, Michael A. Brittingham will advance to the Aug. 25 runoff in southeast Oklahoma’s House District 19 after receiving 49.1 percent support (2,052).
Also advancing to the runoff is Anthony DeVore, the former president of the Oklahoma Gamefowl Commission who received a six-month deferred sentence in March after pleading no contest to a misdemeanor count of being a spectator at a cockfight. DeVore garnered 25.7 percent support (1,074 votes), just 22 votes ahead of third place candidate Derek Porter, who finished with 25.2 percent support(1,052 votes).
The winner of the Aug. 25 runoff will take the seat since no other candidate filed. Incumbent Rep. Justin Humphrey (R-Lane) lost his bid for lieutenant governor.
HD 38: Farmer, federal contractor advance
Out of the six GOP candidates running for the House District 38 seat in north-central Oklahoma, fifth-generation farmer and businessman Madison Bolay received 31.6 percent support (2,232 votes), and federal contractor Danielle Deterding received 26.5 percent (1,876 votes). The pair will advance to an Aug. 25 runoff to succeed term-limited Rep. John Pfeiffer (R-Orlando) who made a runoff for commissioner of labor.
Former Newkirk Mayor Brian Hobbs received 13.2 percent (934 votes), Michael Norman received 9.1 percent (640 votes), Suzanne Callihan received 9.6 percent (677 votes), and Jim Neal received 10.1 percent (716 votes).
The winner of the August runoff election will face Democrat Doyle Lewis in the Nov. 3 general election.
HD 47: Mustang runoff between business owners
In House District 47 covering the Mustang area, HVAC business owner Kevin Gentry garnered 31.9 percent support (1,536 votes), and former oil field worker turned real estate investor Toby Thompson followed close behind with 30.6 percent support (1,473 votes).
Third place candidate Kevin Warnemuende received 21.6 percent (1,040 votes) and fourth place candidate Kevin Simons received 15.9 percent (765 votes).
Gentry and Thompson will advance to the runoff in an effort to succeed Rep. Brian Hill (R-Mustang), who lost his bid for lieutenant governor Tuesday.
The winner of the runoff will face Democratic nominee Indigo Oliver in the Nov. 3 general election.
HD 81: Talley, Rains make runoff in Edmond
In Edmond’s House District 81, businessman and deacon Troy Talley came close to becoming the Republican nominee for the Nov. 3 general election. Instead, after garnering 47.5 percent support (1,912 votes), Talley will advance to an Aug. 25 runoff to face property manager Rusty Rains, who received 35.8 percent support (1,443 votes). Amber Canary finished with 16.7 percent support (672 votes).
The House District 81 seat was opened after incumbent Rep. Mike Osburn (R-Edmond) decided not to seek a sixth and final term in the Oklahoma House.
The winner of the August runoff will face Democratic nominee Megan Hornbeek Allen, who prevailed in her primary Tuesday, in the Nov. 3 general election.
HD 91: Detective, attorney advance in SWOKC
In southwest Oklahoma City’s House District 91, retired child abuse detective Teresa Sterling received 32.1 percent support (1,468 votes), and Roberta Seda, an attorney who operates his own firm, received 28.1 percent support (1,284 votes). The two will advance to an Aug. 25 runoff.
Meanwhile, Michael Freeman received 23.8 percent (1,087 votes), Bruce Fleming received 9.7 percent (444 votes) and Debbie Shultz received 6.3 percent (286 votes).
Incumbent Rep. Chris Kannady (R-OKC), who reached his term limit in House District 91, endorsed Sterling.
The winner of the August runoff will face Democratic opponent Chris Fowler in the Nov. 3 general election.
HD 99: ER doctor, Black Chamber CEO advance
Dr. Herschel Brown, an emergency room physician, received 37.2 percent support (1,459 votes), and Carlos M. Robinson, the president and CEO of the Oklahoma City Black Chamber of Commerce, received 24.1 percent support (944 votes). The two will advance to the only Aug. 25 runoff in Democratic legislative primaries, leaving behind three other candidates.
Derrick Sier received 19.6 percent support (768 votes), Alan Washington received 11.1 percent support (437 votes) and Steve Davis received 8.1 percent support (316 votes).
The House District 99 seat was left open after former Rep. Ajay Pitman (D-OKC) resigned in January and pleaded guilty to three felony felony charges.
The winner of the Aug. 25 runoff will face Republican opponent Melvin Latham in the Nov. 3 general election.
Five judicial races advance to runoff elections
Of the six judicial races on ballots across Oklahoma, five finished without a victor Tuesday. Judicial seats are nonpartisan, meaning the five runoffs will be held Nov. 3.
Judicial District 5, Office 1: Former assistant city attorney and assistant district attorney Neil West, who received 40.2 percent support (8,182), and Comanche County District Court Special Judge Christine Galbraith, who received 27.7 percent (5,648 votes), advanced to the Nov. 3 ballot in the southwest Oklahoma judicial district. Third place candidate Steven W. Crow received 21 percent support (4,271 votes), and fourth place candidate Tommy Sims received 11.2 percent support (2,276).
Judicial District 8, Office 1: With a 3.7 percent margin between the first and second place candidates and a .07 percent margin between second and third place, attorneys Rob Davis and Scott Loftis are headed to the Nov. 3 general election for district judge in Kay County and Noble County. Davis finished first with 35.8 percent support (3,663 votes), while Loftis followed close behind with 32.13 percent support (3,287 votes). Incumbent District Judge Lee Turner received 32.06 percent support (3,279 votes), just eight votes behind Loftis. A recount could be held if Turner requests it.
Judicial District 14, Office 4: In an open race for a Tulsa County district judge post, Loretta Radford, a special judge, earned 44.3 percent support (7,041 votes). She will advance to the Nov. 3 general election against Dustin Allen, who earned 35.8 percent support (5,678 votes). Phillip Peak finished with 19.9 percent support (3,159 votes).
Alfalfa County associate district judge: Municipal Judge Megan Hickman nearly won the Alfalfa County associate district judge seat outright by receiving 46.6 percent support (623). But Assistant District Attorney Brian E. Mitchell will face her in the runoff after received 27.4 percent support (367 votes). Incumbent Alfalfa County Associate District Judge Loren E. Angle finished third and lost the seat he’s held for 24 years with 26 percent support (348 votes).
Nowata County associate district judge: Assistant District Attorney James Pfeffer received 39.8 percent support (816) and public defender Linda Michelle Branstetter received 35.2 percent support (721 votes). The pair will advance to a runoff after besting opponent Tanayia Hubler, who received 25 percent support (511 votes). Nowata County Associate District Judge Carl Gibson, first elected in 2002, did not file for reelection this year.
