A record number of voters turned out Tuesday for the Primary Election, which also has set up a showdown in the runoff elections for some of the top state offices.
A record number of voters turned out Tuesday for the Primary Election, which also has set up a showdown in the runoff elections for some of the top state offices.
Locally, Okmulgee County District 3 Commissioner James Connors retained his post after a stiff challenge from Millard Wayne Spears. Connors received 1,047 votes in the 10 precincts compared to 802 for Spears.
Okmulgee resident Anna Dearmore was defeated in a close state race with Anastasia Pittman for the Democratic nomination for Lieutenant Governor. Out of 1,951 precincts reporting, Pittman was the winner with 188,676 votes or 50.42 percent, while Deamore trailed with 185,554 votes or 49.58 percent. In a media post following the election, Deamore wrote, “Last night, I believe history was made when Sen. Anastasia Pittman became the first woman of Native American descent and a person of color to be the Democratic nominee for Lieutenant Governor. We pledged a clean race, and that we would support each other for the general election. I honor her achievement, and will work to get her elected, as promised. I am truly thankful to all my supporters who helped along the way and voted for me.” Okmulgee County voters also approved State Question 788 by a vote of 4,787 to 3,406. Statewide, 506,782 voters said yes to the proposal while 384,872 voted against it. Congressman Markwayne Mullin won the Republican nomination for District 2 and will face either Jason Nichols or Clay Padgett for the U.S. Representative seat. Here is the list of races that ended with runoffs after the 2018 primary election that will affect Okmulgee County voters: Republican Governor: Mick Cornett and Kevin Stitt Lt. Governor: Dana Murphy and Matt Pinnell Attorney General: Mike Hunter and Gentner Drummond Auditor: Cindy Byrd and Charlie Prater State Superintendent: Joy Hofmeister and Linda Murphy Labor Commissioner: Cathy Costello and Leslie Osborn Corporation Commissioner (Republican): Bob Anthony and Brian Bingman Corporation Commissioner (Democrat): Ashley Nicole McCray and Blake Cummings United States Representaive District 2: Jason Nichols and Clay Padgett The runoff elections will take place August
28.
