Six Republicans, one Democrat and an independent have filed for the state Senate seat formerly held by Roger Thompson.
The filing period was Monday through Wednesday last week.
Thompson, R-Okemah, resigned effective Nov. 1 from Senate District 8, which includes Okmulgee, Okfuskee and McIntosh counties and portions of Creek and Muskogee counties. Thompson’s resignation came shortly after he was removed as chairman of the Senate Appropriations Committee.
The six Republicans are expected to meet in the March 4 primary.
Jeff R. Ramsey, of Paden, is an Okemah Police Department school resource officer and retired Oklahoma City police officer.
“I am running because of school security,” he said. “I believe we need to harden school security.”
Making schools safer includes finding solutions to bullying and drug use, he said.
He is also concerned about criminals coming across the border.
ED Jolly, of Okemah, teaches diesel mechanics at CareerTech. He also has a diesel engine repair shop and raises cattle.
He said he was “led to run” and believes he can bring honor to the position.
He supports reducing the state’s income tax.
David Nelson, of Morris, operates the Morris Tag Agency. He is a U.S. Army veteran who did seven tours.
He said he doesn’t really have any particular issues, but wants to bring unity and leadership to the Oklahoma Senate.
He supports reducing the income tax, but says it has to be done the right way so the budget can be balanced.
Bryan Logan, of Paden, did not return messages left seeking comment.
According to his website, he is a pastor, small business owner and agriculture producer.
Hoss Durrett, of Checotah, runs equipment dealerships and volunteers.
“I just care about this area and making it better,” he said.
He is against green energy, supports economic development and education.
He wants more funding for rural fire departments and to help small businesses grow.
Steven Baldridge, of Okmulgee, is a city councilman, former mayor and veteran. He is a systems administrator for the College of the Muscogee Nation.
“I have been really involved in my community trying to make a difference,” he said, adding that the area has a lot of potential.
His top issues are education, economic development and water resources.
A special primary runoff, if needed, will be held April 1.
The Republican nominee will face off against Nathan Brewer of Henryetta, a Democrat, and Steve Sanford of Henryetta, an independent.
The special general election is set for May 13.
Senate District 8 has 26,973 Republicans, 15,936 Democrats, 342 Libertarians, and 8,230 independents, according to the Oklahoma State Election Board.
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