The Oklahoma City Democrat fills the unexpired House District 92 term left vacant by former Rep. Forrest Bennett.
OKLAHOMA CITY — Rep. Sam Wargin Grimaldo, D-Oklahoma City, was sworn into office Friday after winning a special election to fill the unexpired House District 92 term left vacant by former Rep. Forrest Bennett.
Grimaldo defeated Vicki Ruth Werneke in the June 16 Democratic primary for the unexpired term, receiving 580 votes, or 51.1%, to Werneke’s 555 votes, or 48.9%. He also won the Democratic nomination for the district’s next full two-year term. Because no Republican or independent candidate filed for the seat, Grimaldo is unopposed in the November general election.
House Democratic Leader Cyndi Munson, D-Oklahoma City, welcomed Grimaldo to the caucus, saying he will help advance Democratic priorities including affordability, expanding access to health care and increasing funding for public education.
Grimaldo, who was born and raised in south Oklahoma City, said he is committed to representing House District 92 and ensuring residents have a voice at the Capitol.
“Growing up in south Oklahoma City, I experienced firsthand the power of a diverse and hardworking community and what it means to give back to that community,” Grimaldo said in a statement. “I am honored to have the opportunity to serve the Southside and work to ensure those in my district have someone in the State Capitol who understands their needs and brings them to the table.”
A criminal defense and immigration attorney, Grimaldo previously taught in Oklahoma City Public Schools and worked as an education advocate with the GEAR UP program at the University of Central Oklahoma before earning his law degree from the University of Oklahoma College of Law. He also will join the Oklahoma Legislative Latino Caucus.
