OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) — Republican U.S. Senator Jim Inhofe has defeated a Democratic challenger and three independents, securing another six-year term in office.
The 79-year-old Inhofe is Oklahoma's senior U.S. senator. He first won the seat in a special election 20 years ago.
Inhofe is positioned to become the chairman of the Environment and Public Works Committee if Republicans take control of the Senate.
Inhofe had a huge advantage in fundraising and name recognition over Democratic challenger Matt Silverstein, a 34-year-old investment planner and political newcomer from Bixby.
Silverstein hammered Inhofe for not participating in any debates. Inhofe countered that people already know who he is and where he stands on issues.
Inhofe was first elected to the Legislature in 1966 and also served as Tulsa mayor and in the U.S. House.