Three Oklahoma incumbent state lawmakers lose runoffs

A voter places his ballot in a voting machine on Aug. 27 at a polling location in St. Luke's Methodist Church in Oklahoma City. (Photo by Nuria Martinez-Keel/Oklahoma Voice)

OKLAHOMA CITY – Oklahoma voters on Tuesday sent three state lawmakers into early retirement.

Oklahoma House Appropriations and Budget Chairman Kevin Wallace, R-Wellston, lost his primary runoff to Jim Shaw of Chandler.

Shaw was not available for comment.

Shaw will take the office as no Libertarian, Democrat or independent filed for House District 32.

Shaw garnered 54.35% of the vote.

Wallace appeared to be in trouble when he was forced into a runoff.

The change leaves a growing experience void in the state budget process. Wallace was a key budget negotiator for the House.

Sen. Roger Thompson, R-Okemah, chairman of the Senate Appropriations Committee, was removed late in session. Hedecided to resign his seat, taking a job in the private sector.

Sen. Blake Cowboy Stephens, R-Tahlequah, lost his bid for reelection to Julie McIntosh, R-Porter. McIntosh garnered 60.75%.

“I am super thankful the voters of this district put their faith and trust in me,” she said.

She thanked her supporters, including Gov. Kevin Stitt and Corporation Commissioner Kim David.

McIntosh faces Margaret Cook, an independent from Tahlequah, in the general election for Senate District 3.

Gabe Wooley, R-Broken Arrow, unseated Rep. Dean Davis, R-Broken Arrow, with 50.56%. He faces Democrat Cathy Smythe of Broken Arrow in the general election for House District 98.

Several other legislative seats were left open due to term limits or a decision by the incumbent not to seek reelection.

Kelly E. Hines of Edmond defeated Jenny Schmitt of Oklahoma City with 60.31%.

“It is a battle I won, not the war,” said Hines, a vice president of an aerospace company.

The winner faces Democrat Erin Brewer of Edmond on the general election ballot.

Stitt endorsed Schmitt for Senate District 47.

“She is the true conservative in the race,” Stitt said.

Hines said he was happy to gain the support of  community and conservative groups.

Senate President Pro Tem Greg Treat, R-Oklahoma City, who currently holds the seat, could not seek reelection due to term limits.

Lisa Standridge of Norman defeated Robert C. Keyes of Norman with 50.51 % of the vote.

She did not respond to a request for comment.

Sen. Rob Standridge, R-Norman, could not run again for Senate District 15 due to term limits.

Lisa Standridge, who is married to Rob Standridge, faces Democrat Elizabeth Foreman in the general election.

In other races:

Jonathan Wilk of Goldsby defeated Mike Whaley of Blanchard with 50.03%. Unofficial results show the race was decided by two votes.

The winner faces Democrat Mitchell Jacob of Newcastle in the race for House District 20.

Rep. Sherrie Conley, R-Newcastle, did not seek reelection.

— Jason Blair of Norman defeated Nick Pokorny of Oklahoma City in the race for House District 53. Blair garnered 62.45%.

No independent, Libertarian or Democrat filed for the post to replace Rep. Mark McBride, R-Moore, for House District 53.

— Mike Kelley defeated Ron Lynch with 64.77% of the vote for House Districct 60. Both are from Yukon.

Rep. Rhonda Baker, R-Yukon, chose not to seek another term.

— Stacy Jo Adams defeated Andrew Aldridge in the race for House District 50 with 61.71%. Both are from Duncan. Rep. Marcus McEntire, R-Duncan, chose not to run again.

No Democrat, Libertarian or independent filed for the post.

— Christi Gillespie defeated Shelley Gwartney in the race for Senate District 33 with 55.46%. Both are from Broken Arrow. She will face Bob Willis, a Democrat from Broken Arrow, in the general election.

Sen. Nathan Dahm, R-Broken Arrow, is term limited.

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