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OK Democrats pick up seat in Tuesday's special elections
From Ballotpedia
February 15, 2012
On Tuesday, Oklahoma held two special elections for the State Legislature. In addition, the state held two special election primaries. Ultimately, state Democrats managed to capture one Republican House seat and hold on to a seat in the Oklahoma State Senate. So far this year, 18 special elections have been scheduled in eight states. Of those eight states, Oklahoma is the first to see a seat change partisan hands.
A breakdown of the special elections:
- Oklahoma House District 1: Curtis McDaniel (D) defeated Joe M. Silk (R), James Skipper (I), and Bethany Farley (I). McDaniel garnered 61.8% of the vote. McDaniel will replace former Republican lawmaker Rusty Farley who passed away on July 4, 2011.[1][2][3]
- Oklahoma Senate District 46: Al McAffrey (D) defeated Jason Reese (R), by a 1,258-630 margin. McAffrey will be Oklahoma's first openly gay senator. He replaces Andrew Rice (D) who resigned earlier this year.[4][5]
A breakdown of the special primary elections:
- Oklahoma House District 71: Katie Henke (R) defeated four other Republican candidates to secure the nomination. Dan Arthrell (D) defeated one opponent to secure the Democratic nomination. The special election takes place on April 4. The winner will replace Daniel Sullivan (R).[6]
- Oklahoma Senate District 20: Ann Griffin (R) defeated three opponents to win the Republican nomination. Democratic candidate Magnus Scott Sr. was unopposed in the primary. The special election takes place on April 4. The winner will replace David Myers (R).[7]
Partisan impact
Democrats managed to flip a seat on Tuesday. However, the victory will not have a dramatic effect on the balance of legislative power.
Oklahoma House Partisan Balance
| Party | As of May 2013 | |
|---|---|---|
| Democratic Party | 31 | |
| Republican Party | 68 | |
| Vacancy | 2 | |
| Total | 101 | |
See also
| ||
| Propositions • | Recall | • Law |
References
- ↑ www.ocolly.com Oklahomans mourn death of state legislator, July 5, 2011
- ↑ State of Oklahoma, February 14, Unofficial Results, accessed February 15, 2012
- ↑ Real Clear Politics, "Okla. Dem wins Senate seat in special election," February 15, 2012
- ↑ State of Oklahoma, February 14, Unofficial Results, accessed February 15, 2012
- ↑ Dallas Voice, "Openly gay candidate Al McAffrey elected to Oklahoma Senate in special election," February 15, 2012
- ↑ Tulsa World, "Dan Arthrell, Katie Henke win District 71 primary, will meet in April 3 general election," February 15, 2012
- ↑ KSWO, "Griffin wins GOP primary for Okla. Senate seat," February 14, 2012
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