State Rep. Kevin McDugle will not seek another term in the Oklahoma House of Representatives

TULSA, Okla. — After eight years, State Representative Kevin McDugle (R-Broken Arrow and Wagoner County) will not seek another term in office.

McDugle filed for re-election last week, but on Monday, the Oklahoma State Election Board announced McDugle withdrew his candidacy for State House District 12.

McDugle confirmed with FOX23 on Monday night in a text that he is dropping out of the race and endorsing the man who would have been his challenger Mark Chapman.

“As many of you know, I served three tours of duty as a Marine for our great country, and each time I came home, I was proud of the job accomplished to preserve freedom and liberty," McDugle said in a statement. "As your State Representative, I’ve fought hard to hold the line and protect your freedoms here at home as well, and to ensure that Wagoner county becomes a leader in the state in opportunity and growth. Many times I’ve prayed for rest for a warrior to recharge for a bit. I have known Mark Chapman for years, and I trust him as a brother in arms in principles and policy. We have spent hours talking and praying about this decision on which of us should move forward. I am announcing today that I am withdrawing my candidacy and am giving Mark Chapman my full support to serve ‘for such a time as this’.”

By dropping out and endorsing Chapman, Chapman becomes the Republican nominee for House District 12 in the fall without there needing to be a Republican primary first. Chapman will face Democrat Crystal LaGrone in November to decide who will hold the seat.

“I am honored to join with Representative McDugle in this joint announcement to show unity and strength in the decision to allow me uncontested to carry the torch of freedom as the nominee of the Republican party in this fall’s election. He had mentioned that he was praying about his next steps, and both of us needed time to continue talking and come to a joint decision on this," Chapman said in a statement. "I will count him as a mentor, and look forward to visiting over the next several months with residents across the district as I prepare to enter the November election to serve our district and our state.”

McDugle is one of many state lawmakers in both the House and Senate who are either term limited or leaving office after this session including House Speaker Charles McCall (R-Atoka) and Senate Pro Tem Greg Treat (R-Edmond).

McDugle has been a vocal advocate for changes within Oklahoma's criminal justice system, especially when it comes to death row and lethal injections. McDugle was one of the first state lawmakers to support Richard Glossip, a death row inmate who has eaten his last meal twice, and now has a case pending before the U.S. Supreme Court.

"I tell you Danny, I'm to the point where I'll fight to end it if we can't do this stuff the right way," McDugle said during a hearing on a bill proposed this session that halts the death penalty temporarily until known problems found in the system can be addressed.

He has also pushed for reforms on the Oklahoma Pardon and Parole Board, including putting alternates on the panel when someone must recuse or is absent. He said he believes Oklahomans have a Constitutional right to a fifth and possible tie-breaking vote for clemency, especially on death penalty cases.