Democrats flip SD37, GOP holds HD76 and SD45

Three legislative special elections were held today - House District 76 (vacated by Rep. David Brumbaugh's death), Senate District 37 (vacated by Sen. Dan Newberry resigning for a private sector job), and Senate District 45 (vacated by Sen. Kyle Loveless' resignation over campaign finance violations).

All three seats were Republican-held. Democrats last won SD37 in 1996 (although Nancy Riley switched from Republican to Democrat in the middle of her final term in 2006), SD45 in 1976, and never in HD76.

In HD76 (Republican District Rating of 61.9), Republican Ross Ford won with 68.35% of the vote . In SD45 (RDR of 59.5), Republican Paul Rosino got 56.78% of the vote.

In a nailbiter of a race in SD37 (RDR of 57.6), Democrat Allison Ikley-Freeman defeated Republican Brian O'Hara by 31 votes, 2234 (50.35%) to 2203 (49.65%). The vote was close enough that O'Hara might seek a recount; either way, due to Newberry's resignation date being January 31st, 2018, the winner won't be sworn in until February 1st, 2018.

Ikley-Freeman (a therapist at a nonprofit mental health agency) defeated O'Hara (a former Jenks city councilor and district director for Cong. Bridenstine) by virtue of receiving 60 more votes on election day, while O'Hara led the absentee and early voting total by 29. Ikley-Freeman becomes the third openly homosexual individual (she is married to another lesbian) to be elected to the Oklahoma Legislature, and the first outside of the HD88/SD46 area in Oklahoma City.

Democrats have now won 4 of the 7 special elections held this year (HD46, HD75, SD37, SD44).

Rosino gains GOP nomination in SD45, Ford in HD76

Primaries were held today for the special elections in House District 76 and Senate District 45.

In HD76, vacated by the death of Rep. David Brumbaugh, Republican Ross Ford eeked out a 19-vote victory over Rep. Brumbaugh's widow Shelley, winning 30.76% to 29.85%. A third candidate received 28.52%, with two others in single digits. Democrat Chris VanLandingham took 54.18% in a two-way Democratic primary.

In SD45, vacated by Sen. Kyle Loveless, Paul Rosino emerged victorious out of 7 GOP candidates, gathering 32.61% to the nearest competitor's 21.12%. He will face Democrat Steven Vincent, who defeated his one opponent with 92.22% of the Democratic primary vote.

The general election for both races will be held on November 14th.

Lt. Gov. Lamb to headline Shelley Brumbaugh for HD76 fundraiser

LT. GOVERNOR TODD LAMB TO HEADLINE KICKOFF FUNDRAISING RECEPTION FOR SHELLEY BRUMBAUGH FOR STATE HOUSE DISTRICT 76

May 30, 2017 -- Shelley Brumbaugh, candidate in the special election for House District 76, is kicking off her campaign with a fundraising reception this Thursday, June 1, with special host Lt. Governor Todd Lamb.

She stated, "Directly after I announced my candidacy at the State OK GOP Convention, I was honored to receive a public announcement of support from Lt. Gov. Lamb to the crowd. I am thankful to him for not only offering his verbal support, but also rolling up his sleeves and working alongside me on the campaign trail as we share our principles and invite our community and friends to join the campaign."

Lt. Governor Todd Lamb stated, "I am pleased to give my support to Shelley Brumbaugh, as she seeks to continue the fine service her late husband gave our state. Shelley is a businesswoman who has a demonstrated history of service to her community, integrity in her actions, and a work ethic that will ensure that her district will have continued stability in quality representation for their priorities."

The Shelley Brumbaugh for State House campaign fundraiser kickoff will take place Thursday, June 1, 2017, from 5:00pm-6:30pm, at  Indian Springs Country Club, 16006 E. 131st Street South, Broken Arrow. To attend please RSVP either online or at 918.833.1400. Please consider a generous donation to advance her conservative cause.

For more information on Shelley Brumbaugh, please visit her Facebook page.

Shelley Brumbaugh to run for late husband's House seat

Shelley Brumbaugh Announces She Will Run for the House District 76 Seat

After the stunning events of the unexpected death of her husband, State Representative David Brumbaugh, who held the people's seat of House District 76 since his first election in 2010, Shelley Brumbaugh has been encouraged to run for the seat. Shelley was an instrumental support in her husband's campaign, constituent services, and legislative activities over the last seven years.

"Not only is there unfinished business that David was committed to in his role as Chairman of the Republican House Caucus, but I also have a legislative agenda to be completed in support of our home district.  Since before David's election in 2010, I worked alongside him for our district, knocking doors, visiting with constituents, answering and finding resources to fill their needs -  and the people deserve to have continued stability in their representation and services."

Shelley Brumbaugh also expresses appreciation for the outpouring of sympathy as we all share in the loss of David. "My teenage daughters and I are thankful for wonderful visits from all over the district, to even flowers from Senator Ted and Heidi Cruz. The outpouring of support has been overwhelming, but what also has been amazing is the strength and the confidence I have in knowing that we have already addressed what can sometimes be difficult for a single parent to accomplish. I am thankful for family support already arranged if I am fortunate to serve you at the Capitol during next spring’s session. I am confident in my ability to fully serve in every capacity that our constituents expect. My whole family, church, and great Oklahoma leaders whom we will be announcing soon are standing with us in support of our decision to run."

Shelley is also a businesswoman, who assisted her late husband in managing their company DRB Industries, located in Broken Arrow. She majored in Accounting at Northeastern State University, is a fifth-generation Oklahoman, and a two-decade resident of Broken Arrow.

The primary election will be held on August 8, 2017 with the general election on November 14, 2017. To find out more about Shelley, please visit her Facebook page at: Shelley Brumbaugh for State House.

Oklahoma House pays tribute to Rep. Brumbaugh

This morning, the Oklahoma House of Representatives paid tribute to State Rep. David Brumbaugh, who unexpectedly passed away Saturday evening. Session began with a moment of silence, State Reps. George Faught and Mike Ritze spoke about Brumbaugh's impact and legacy, and members closed with the singing of Amazing Grace.



Brumbaugh's body will lie in repose at the State Capitol on Thursday, from 10am to 2pm. Visitation with the family will be from 6pm to 8pm at Floral Haven Funeral Home in Broken Arrow. The funeral is set for 1pm Saturday at Tulsa Bible Church in Tulsa, with a graveside service to follow.

Brumbaugh was the Majority Caucus Chairman, and represented House District 76. Sometime in the next 30 days, Governor Fallin will announce the scheduling of a special election to elect a replacement to fill the remainder of his legislative term.

State Rep. David Brumbaugh has passed away

State Rep. David Brumbaugh (R-Broken Arrow) has passed away this evening. Please keep his family in your prayers.

— OKHouseGOP (@GOPHouseOK) April 16, 2017