Rep. Rick West Announces He Will Not Seek Re-election

Sad news for conservatives. Rick West was one of the few bright spots among the last two freshmen classes in the legislature.

Rep. Rick West Announces He Will Not Seek Re-election

OKLAHOMA CITY – State Rep. Rick West announced this week he will not be seeking re-election for the next legislative session.

“Serving the great people of House District 3 has been an incredible honor and is something I will cherish forever,” said West, R-Heavener. “I have given this job every single ounce of energy within me, I have learned much more than I could’ve imagined. The people of southeastern Oklahoma entrusted me with a huge responsibility, and I am forever grateful for their confidence in me.

“Ultimately, I could not in good conscience continue to serve as a state representative. I fundamentally disagree with the direction the Republican caucus is headed inside the Capitol, and I have been disappointed in decisions that were made that I believe are detrimental to our state,” West said.

West was first elected in 2016. He serves as vice chair for the Agriculture & Rural Development Committee. He also sits on the County & Municipal Government and Veterans & Military Affairs committees, along with the Appropriations & Budget Sub-committee for Select Agencies.

“I will continue to serve my community on a local level, but I also look forward to spending more time with my wife and family. They have made tremendous sacrifices over the past few years, and I owe them more than what I’ve been able to provide as a state representative.

“The decision to make this session my last in the House of Representatives did not come easily. I have spent the last several weeks discussing options with those closest to me, and I feel great peace about making these my final months in office. It’s time for me to go home.”

West serves House District 3, which includes parts of LeFlore County.