CD2 runoff: James Dobson endorses Josh Brecheen

Conservative champion Josh Brecheen has received yet another endorsement in the 2nd Congressional District GOP runoff election. Since the primary, he has received the support of fellow candidates John Bennett (4th place with 11.3%), Marty Quinn (6th place with 7.3%), Wes Nofire (7th place with 6.2%), and David Derby (8th place with 5.5%). 

Joining those in endorsing Brecheen is world-renowned Christian author and the founder of Focus on the Family, Dr. James Dobson.

Former State Rep. David Derby announces 2nd Congressional District campaign

This 2022 GOP primary in the 2nd Congressional District is going to be w-i-l-d. We have yet another Republican jumping in; this time, it's former State Rep. David Derby, who represented the Owasso-area House District 74 for 10 years (2006 to 2016).

He joins ten other Republican candidates: State Sen. Marty Quinn, State Rep. Dustin Roberts, former State Rep. and current OKGOP chairman John Bennett, State Rep. Avery Frix and Police Chief Johnny Teehee and pharmacist Chris Schiller (all three from Muskogee), Quapaw Nation Secretary-Treasurer Guy Barker, and military vets Erick Wyatt and Clint Johnson, and activist Rhonda Hopkins.

Derby's press release is below:

Veteran Conservative Legislator and Pharmacist from Rogers County, David Derby Announces Candidacy for U.S. Congress, OK-2

Claremore, OK, April 5th – Today, Pharmacist and Award-Winning Conservative State Representative David Derby of Rogers County announced his candidacy for Oklahoma’s 2nd Congressional District in the open Republican primary created by Congressman Mullin’s declared candidacy for U.S. Senate. Derby, 45, is a family man and an accomplished conservative legislator.

During his 10 years in the legislature before retiring in 2016, Derby delivered on his campaign promises, passing oil & gas tax cuts, large state spending cuts, prescription cost reductions, and drug reform, among others. Derby then returned to the private sector because he believes elected office should not be a career. Derby’s anger with Congress is what initially prompted him to step back into the political arena.

“Congress is out of control. Inflation is at a 40-year high because of reckless spending by career politicians who wouldn’t know the first thing about hard, honest work. Oklahomans are being squeezed by the record-high costs of gas, groceries, and medicine, and yet the only solutions out of Congress are to spend trillions more and negotiate foreign oil imports, rather than re-opening American drilling. It’s like watching the prisoners run the jail. I’m running for Congress to put an end to this madness,” Derby said.

Another out: Grau not running for reelection

Republican State Representative Randy Grau has decided that he will not be seeking reelection. He joins fellow Republicans Representatives Jason Nelson and David Derby in making late announcements about not filing for another term.

From Rep. Grau:

Grau Announces He Will Not Seek Re-Election

OKLAHOMA CITY –State Rep. Randy Grau announced today that he will not be seeking a fourth term in the Oklahoma House of Representatives.

“Serving my hometown is one of the greatest honors of my life,” said Grau (R-Edmond), who represents the House district in which he grew up. “I have the deepest respect for the people I represent. They are my friends and neighbors, and I feel blessed just to know them.

“Therefore, this was a very difficult decision. However, I determined in recent days that it was necessary to take a break from public service to concentrate on other priorities. I am going to focus on helping my grandfather who has been hospitalized since December due to an injury. I also look forward to spending more time with my two growing sons, as well as focusing on a growing, successful law practice.” 

Grau serves as Chairman of the House Judiciary and Civil Procedure Committee. He is also part of House leadership, serving as an Assistant Majority Whip, and previously held a leadership position as Assistant Majority Floor Leader. Grau is an attorney with the Oklahoma City firm of Cheek and Falcone.