Oklahoma City (Free Press) – With the Oklahoma Republican Primary just days ahead, Oklahoma County voters will soon cast their ballots to decide the Republican Party’s candidates for a slate of national to county-level races.
According to the State Election Board, candidates who secure over half of the votes in their party’s election will progress to the November general election. If no candidate receives a majority, the top two contenders by vote count will move to the runoff primary in August. If only one party has candidates for office, the elected official will be determined in the primary or runoff primary, bypassing the need for a general election.
Oklahoma County’s Republican voters will select a nominee for two congressional offices, two State Senators, six House representatives, and a corporation commissioner.
Here is an overview of what Republican voters in Oklahoma County can expect to see on their ballots come June 18, along with a brief outline of each candidate’s key priorities and endorsements. An asterisk (*) following a candidate’s name will indicate incumbency.
US House of Representative seats
U.S. Representative – District 3 – Information
- Lucas has served as the U.S. representative for Oklahoma’s 3rd congressional district since 2003. Before that, he represented Oklahoma’s 6th congressional district in 1994, renumbered as the 3rd following the 2000 Census.
- He is the chairman of the House Committee on Science, Space, and Technology and the longest-serving Republican member of the House Financial Services Committee.
- His priorities include protecting conservative values, advocating for rural America, securing the Southern border, and strengthening the economy.
- Carder is a 4th generation Oklahoman whose family settled in the state during the early 20th-century oil boom.
- According to her campaign website, she is running to replace Lucas, whom she believes is disconnected from Oklahoma and the America First movement.
- If elected, her priorities would include border security, energy independence, fiscal and monetary reform, healthcare access, and protecting farmers, ranchers, and jobs.
- According to his campaign website, Hamilton is a Fort Supply resident with over 23 years of experience designing, building, and operating communication satellites.
- He graduated with a bachelor’s of science in Earth Science from Montana State University of Bozeman.
- Hamilton’s top priorities include advocating for better job opportunities, improving rural schools, public safety, security, and fiscal responsibility.
Oklahoma’s 3rd congressional district is the largest in the state, covering nearly half its land area. It spans 32 counties, from the panhandle’s western edge to Tulsa in the east and Altus in the south. The district also contains slivers of the northwest, southwest, and southern OKC.
The 3rd congressional district only drew Republican primary challengers this election cycle.
U.S Representative – District 4 – Information
- Hankins is a native Oklahoman and works as a business intelligence developer for Trisura Specialty Insurance Company.
- His campaign website lists his priorities as protecting constitutional rights, closing the border to end illegal immigration, withdrawing from NATO, the UN, and the WHO, and cutting funding for Ukraine.
- His website also states that he does not accept campaign contributions and that if elected, he will vote “no” on any bill that does not protect constitutional freedoms.
- Hayes is a 5th generation Oklahoman from Lawton, OK.
- He received a criminal justice and philosophy degree from the University of Oklahoma.
- He previously ran for the Ward 1 Lawton City Council seat.
- Hayes’ campaign priorities include ending inflation by shutting down the Federal Reserve, protecting the First Amendment, and advocating for peace and free trade.
- Rep. Cole has represented the 4th congressional district since 2003.
- During his tenure in the House, Cole has built a solidly conservative voting record by supporting a robust national defense, gun rights, pro-life policies, and pro-business positions.
- Cole was recently selected as the Chairman of the House Appropriations Committee, one of the most powerful committees due to its federal budget control.
- Former President Donald J. Trump endorses him.
- Bondar is a political newcomer who is heavily self-funding his campaign with over $5 million in campaign contributions and combined loans.
- His campaign website describes him as a devout Christian, a dedicated family man, and an experienced business professional.
- Bondar has recently raised questions regarding his residency after he recently voted in Texas’ primary elections in March, is alleged to still live in Dallas, and owned a trucking insurance company in Illinois.
- Bondar has told local news stations that he is renting a home in Stonewall, OK, while his primary residence in Durant is under construction.
- His priorities include addressing inflation, enforcing immigration laws, focusing on domestic issues over foreign conflicts, and urging Congress to initiate impeachment proceedings on President Joe Biden.
Rick Whitebear Harris
- Harris does not appear to have a campaign website, although he has an active Twitter (X) page for his campaign and filled out a candidate survey on Ballotpedia’s website.
- According to his responses, he is a native Oklahoman and retired physician serving mainly in isolated clinics in the Indian Health Service.
- His priorities include advocating for a return to Judeo-Christian values, calling an end to foreign wars, and supporting reducing the size of government and budget.
Oklahoma’s 4th congressional district is in the state’s south-central region, encompassing 15 counties. It includes a small portion of Oklahoma County, including Midwest City and Del City.
State Office
Corporation Commissioner — Information
The Oklahoma Corporation Commission comprises three members, each elected in statewide votes, who serve together as a state regulatory body. It primarily oversees the fuel, oil and gas, public utilities, and transportation industries.
The public is the most aware of the Corporation Commission when public utility rate hikes to customers are being considered. Public utilities are regulated by the state Corporation Commission including the setting of rates charged to customers.
In roughly the last ten years the Corporation Commission has more aggressively regulated the amount of saltwater (drilling byproduct) being pumped into underground formations via old depleted oil wells. Many earthquakes in Oklahoma have been shown to be caused by excessive saltwater injection which results in the Corporation Commission reducing the amount of injections being made until earthquakes stop.
- Bingman has received endorsements from prominent GOP leaders, including Governor Kevin Stitt, Lt. Governor Matt Pinnell, Congressman Frank Lucas, and sitting corporation commissioners Kim David and Todd Heitt.
- He has over 30 years of experience working in public office and 40 years of experience in the oil and gas industry.
- Bingman is the former Oklahoma Secretary of State and has previously served in the Oklahoma House representing the 30th district and the Oklahoma Senate as President pro tempore and Senator from the 12th district.
- If elected, one of his priorities would be protecting consumers’ finances while ensuring a robust and reliable utility grid.
- Ray is a longtime reporter covering energy, oil, and gas and a communications executive for the Oklahoma Department of Career and Technology Education.
- He is a spokesman and thought leader for America’s power generation industry.
- According to his campaign website, Ray’s priorities include advocating for consumer interests over business interests and being a conservative voice for transparency and accountability.
- Hornback has over 20 years of experience working in the pipeline welding industry.
- This is his second OCC bid; he ran unsuccessfully in 2022.
- Hornback’s campaign website states that he aims to enhance transparency, foster open communication, and uphold integrity as a corporation commissioner.
Legislative, District, and County
State Senate District 17 – Information
- Sharp is again vying for the familiar position of representing Senate District 17. He held the seat from 2012 to 2020 until Shane Jett ousted him.
- Sharp is a former educator in the Shawnee Public Schools for 38 years.
- His campaign website does not list his priorities, but according to bills he sponsored during his tenure, his biggest focus is regarding public education.
- Swearingen is a lifelong Shawnee resident and an Oklahoma State University alumni, and he gained some experience in public service serving in the Student Government Association.
- His campaign website states he is completing his Master’s in Information Technology at Liberty University.
- He would prioritize fiscal responsibility, economic growth, innovation, education, and healthcare if elected.
- Jett, a fifth-generation Oklahoman, was first elected to represent Senate District 17 in 2020 after unseating Sharp, who previously held the seat for eight consecutive years.
- Jett also previously served as representative of House District 27 from 2004 to 2010, where he notably became the first Republican to hold the seat.
- He describes himself as a businessman and community leader who advocates for limited government, lower taxes, individual liberty, and personal responsibility.
- Melot, a businesswoman and author, was formerly an NCAA Division 1 basketball referee for over 20 years.
- She was the former CEO of Shawnee Forward, a non-profit organization focused on economic development efforts in the Shawnee area.
- Her campaign website outlines her priorities, which include lowering taxes, reducing regulations, supporting law enforcement, and defending the Second Amendment.
State Senate District 47 – Information
- Hines is a seasoned Army veteran from Whitesboro, a small town in eastern Oklahoma.
- He is corporate and domestic operations vice president at Aviation Training Consulting in Edmond.
- According to his campaign website, his priorities include protecting communities, fostering economic development, securing the border, and supporting first responders and law enforcement.
- Curry, the former finance chair of the Oklahoma Republican Party, is a fourth-generation Oklahoman and businessman.
- According to his campaign website, he owns and operates Catalyst Financial Group.
- His priorities include defending parental rights, supporting law enforcement, reducing taxes, limiting government, and protecting conservative values.
- Schmitt describes herself as a conservative fighter, healthcare expert, and community leader.
- She received a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from the University of Central Oklahoma and a Master of Science degree as an advanced practice nurse from the University of Wisconsin La Crosse/Mayo Clinic Health System.
- According to her campaign website, if elected, she would prioritize education, economic development, quality healthcare, reliable energy, tribal relationships, and conservative values.
State House District 41 – Information
Denise Crosswhite Hader*
- Hader is a native Oklahoman who has represented House District 41 since 2018.
- Upon graduating from Oral Roberts University, she served as a field representative for the former U.S. Rep. Ernest Istook, focusing on infrastructure and military policy.
- She previously worked as a legislative assistant in the Oklahoma House and as an analyst specializing in reviewing commercial property.
- Hader does not appear to have a campaign website.
- Bracken, a combat war veteran, is a practicing attorney at a law firm in Edmond specializing in medical malpractice, personal injury, product liability, and nursing home abuse.
- According to his campaign website, his priorities include defending parents’ rights, protecting the Second Amendment, supporting veterans, lowering taxes, and upholding conservative values.
House District 90 – Information
- Echols, a longtime South OKC resident, is a mediator and local business owner.
- He received his bachelor’s degree in organizational leadership from Southern Nazarene University and his law degree from Oklahoma City University School of Law.
- His campaign website lists some of his priorities, which include supporting small businesses, backing law enforcement, combating inflation, and advocating for quality education.
- Gise, who describes herself as a community servant and conservative advocate, serves as the program director for the Grow with Google initiative. This partnership between Google and the state of Oklahoma provides training, tools, and expertise to improve employment opportunities in high-growth career fields.
- Her top priorities are advocating for quality education, supporting ‘people-first’ policies, backing local businesses, and fostering an open and accountable government.
House District 95 – Information
Alexander Yoder
- Yoder does not appear to have a campaign website, although he does have an active Facebook and Twitter (X) account, where he shared that he is a security guard at Remington Park and was a former foreign language English teacher in China while he attended college there .
- Wolfley, first elected to represent House District 95 in 2020, was a 40-year public school educator at Midwest City – Del City Schools.
- According to his campaign Facebook page, if reelected, Wolfely will prioritize inflation relief by eliminating the grocery tax, increasing state workers’ pay, and school funding.
House District 96 – Information
- Stinson, the husband of Oklahoma County District Judge Sheila Stinson, has represented the district since 2020 after his victory in the Republican runoff.
- He owns Stinson Development Company, a steel erection company specializing in commercial signs and billboards.
- According to his campaign website, his focus is on border security, lowering taxes, and investing in quality education.
- Herberger, a longtime Enid resident, owns 2 Fellas & A Big Vehicle moving company in OKC.
- He ran for HD 20 four years ago but ultimately lost to Sherrie Conley in the Republican primary.
- His campaign website states that he is running for office to fight against “moderate Republicans who compromise with the political establishment.” His top priorities include protecting children and the unborn, reducing taxes on families, safeguarding the Second Amendment, improving education, and imposing stricter laws on illegal immigration.
House District 100 – Information
- Stark, who has held the seat since 2018, is a registered nurse with more than 15 years of experience in intensive care.
- She is vice chair of the Health Services and Long-term Care Committee and a member of the Human Services Appropriations and Budget Committee.
- Stark’s primary focus is fostering transparency in state budgets, improving communication between the legislature and the public, finding solutions to prison reform, and meeting needs without expanding government size.
- Hargis is a third-generation Oklahoman with a background in rehabilitation counseling and high school coaching.
- His campaign website says he decided to run after engaging with his community and better understanding their needs.
- Hargis’ platform supports constitutional freedoms, the rights of the unborn, government transparency, and parental involvement in education.
House District 101 – Information
- Hewitt, a Moore police officer, moved to Oklahoma in 2021 and has since worked as a legislative assistant for Rep. Wendi Stearman.
- As a solely grassroots candidate, he pledges not to accept campaign contributions from any special interest groups, lobbyists, PACs, or corporations.
- According to his campaign website, if elected, his priorities would be safeguarding constitutional freedoms, strengthening the state’s election laws, opposing DEI proposals, and restoring conservative values.
- Manger, a longtime HD 101 resident, has held the seat for six years. He served as an Inspector in Charge for the U.S. Marshal Service for 15 years and received 20 performance awards.
- He serves as the chairman of the Public Safety Committee.
Voting Information
Early voting begins Thursday and Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at the Oklahoma County Election Board. Polls are open from 7:00 a.m to 7:00 p.m. on Tuesday, June 18. Oklahoma County voters can click here to find a designated polling place and sample ballot.
Brianna Garcia is a freelance journalist covering local politics and culture for Free Press. She has a degree in Journalism from the University of Central Oklahoma.