OKLAHOMA CITY — The race to replace former Oklahoma County Commissioner Myles Davidson is quickly shaping into a test between courthouse experience and outsider frustration, with Oklahoma County Manager Jessica Clayton emerging as a leading contender in a crowded Republican field.
Eight candidates — five Republicans and three Democrats — have filed for the District 3 seat following Davidson’s resignation earlier this year amid allegations of sexual misconduct that rocked county government and reignited criticism surrounding Oklahoma County leadership and oversight.
District 3 includes Edmond, Deer Creek, Arcadia, Luther and portions of northeast Oklahoma City.
Clayton enters the race with arguably the strongest county government résumé in the field. Since March 2025, she has served as Oklahoma County manager, overseeing county operations, contracts, department budgets and more than $160 million in state and federal grants. Before that, she served as chief deputy to District 2 Commissioner Brian Maughan and previously held executive roles in banking and nonprofit leadership.
Her candidacy also carries backing from the Greater Oklahoma City Chamber Political Action Committee, which praised her county government experience and focus on “efficiency, accountability and transparency.”
In comments to The Oklahoman, Clayton framed herself as an experienced county government hand capable of restoring stability after months of controversy at the courthouse.
“Because I have not given up hope for a better Oklahoma County,” Clayton said. “I believe our county can be stronger, more efficient and more responsive to the people it serves.”
Clayton’s campaign has centered heavily on restoring public trust and improving communication between county government and residents as Oklahoma County continues navigating controversy surrounding jail operations, budgeting disputes and litigation tied to the Oklahoma County Detention Center.
The race was thrown open after Davidson resigned in April following allegations of sexual misconduct from a Norman woman who worked with him. Davidson’s departure added another layer of instability to county government already under scrutiny over repeated jail funding disputes, management concerns and transparency complaints.
Several Republican opponents are attempting to channel voter frustration with county government.
Edmond marketing business owner Wendy Jo Hampton accused county leadership of being “mismanaged long enough,” while healthcare executive Scott Wesley Ermis called for anti-corruption reforms and suggested dissolving the county jail trust.
Businessman Alex Warren, brother of Oklahoma County Court Clerk Rick Warren, has campaigned on restoring “integrity, transparency, accountability and strong leadership.”
On the Democratic side, retired University of Central Oklahoma professor Thomas Guild, Hunger Free Oklahoma employee Jennifer Mayo and Oklahoma City community development employee Corey Winston are also seeking the seat.
Winston previously drew attention in Edmond after challenging a city charter provision restricting non-property owners from serving in office — language critics argued unfairly targeted Black candidates before city leaders moved to remove it.
The June 16 primary will determine whether either party avoids an August runoff. The general election is scheduled for Nov. 3.
With Oklahoma County government continuing to face scrutiny over jail operations, infrastructure demands and public trust, the District 3 race is expected to draw significant political attention throughout the 2026 election cycle.
Original reporting: The Oklahoman
