© 2024 Public Radio Tulsa
800 South Tucker Drive
Tulsa, OK 74104
(918) 631-2577

A listener-supported service of The University of Tulsa
classical 88.7 | public radio 89.5
Play Live Radio
Next Up:
0:00
0:00
0:00 0:00
Available On Air Stations

Bridenstine and Others Get Free Election Pass; Inhofe Not So Lucky

Matt Trotter
/
KWGS

OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) — First term Congressman Jim Bridenstine is among dozens of Oklahoma politicians who won't have to worry too much about launching a political campaign this season.

At the end of the three-day filing period on Friday, the 38-year-old Republican from Tulsa was among several candidates who did not draw an opponent in their race. As a result, they will automatically take office after the November elections.

Three statewide Republican officeholders will get a free pass to another four-year term, including State Auditor and Inspector Gary Jones, Attorney General Scott Pruitt, and Treasurer Ken Miller.

In the state Legislature, eight state senators and 50 state House members will not face a re-election challenge this year.

U.S. Senator Jim Inhofe continues to attract opponents hoping to oust the Tulsa Republican from the post he's held for 20 years.

An independent and a Democrat filed Friday for the seat held by the 79-year-old Inhofe. Business consultant Joan Farr of Broken Arrow filed as an independent and financial planner Matt Silverstein of Bixby filed for the Democratic nomination.

Perennial candidate Evelyn Rogers of Tulsa and retired air traffic controller Rob Moye of Yukon both filed Thursday. They join Republicans D. Jean McBride Samuels of Jenks and Erick Paul Wyatt of Norman, who filed on Wednesday.

Independent candidate Aaron DeLozier of Wichita Falls, Texas, also joined the race Thursday. Election officials say DeLozier is allowed to seek the seat, but would have to move to Oklahoma if elected.