TULSA, Okla. (AP) — A national school-choice organization has hired former Democratic state Senator Jabar Shumate of Tulsa to become director of its Oklahoma operations.
The Tulsa World reports that Shumate has been named state director of The American Federation for Children as well as national director of its legislative affairs.
Shumate says he will be promoting AFC-backed education-reform measures nationwide and will be working primarily with Democratic legislators.
Shumate, who resigned his Senate seat earlier this week, would have been term-limited in 2016. Shumate was an advocate for school choice throughout his legislative career and received $4,500 in campaign contributions from AFC over the years.
A special election has been called for April 7th to fill Shumate's former Senate seat. Democratic state Rep. Kevin Matthews of Tulsa is the only announced candidate.