Only one incumbent remains in a Republican runoff while eight open seats and two Democratic contests will help shape the Oklahoma House after the Aug. 25 election.
OKLAHOMA CITY — Oklahoma House runoff elections will largely determine who replaces a wave of departing lawmakers rather than whether incumbents keep their seats.
Voters in nine House districts will cast ballots in runoff elections Aug. 25, but only one sitting representative remains on the ballot. The other eight districts are open seats created by retirements, lawmakers pursuing other offices or members choosing not to seek reelection.
The ballot includes eight Republican runoff contests and two Democratic runoffs. House District 81 features runoffs in both parties, ensuring voters there will select both major-party nominees before the Nov. 3 general election.
Three Republican runoffs — House Districts 1, 18 and 19 — will effectively determine the district’s next representative because no Democratic, independent or Libertarian candidate qualified for the November ballot.
David Smith stands alone as incumbent
Rep. David Smith of Arpelar is the only sitting House member who failed to secure a majority in June and now faces a runoff.
Smith will meet Pamela Gordon in the Republican runoff for House District 18 after advancing from a three-candidate primary. Because no other candidate qualified for the November ballot, the Aug. 25 winner will be elected to represent the district.
Every other House runoff this year will produce a new representative.
Open seats dominate the ballot
Most House runoff contests were created because incumbents left their seats rather than because voters rejected sitting lawmakers.
In House District 1, Republicans Chris White and George Phipps are competing to succeed Rep. Eddy Dempsey, who did not seek reelection. Democrat Kurt Reisdorf withdrew after filing, leaving no November opponent for the Republican nominee.
In House District 9, Republicans Scotty Stokes and Crystal Campbell are seeking the seat being vacated by Rep. Mark Lepak, who is leaving the House after reaching Oklahoma’s 12-year lifetime legislative term limit. Democrat Andrea Biscardi awaits the winner in November.
In House District 19, Republicans Michael Brittingham and Anthony DeVore are competing to replace Rep. Justin Humphrey, who is not seeking another House term. Like House Districts 1 and 18, no other candidate qualified for the November ballot, making the runoff decisive.
House District 38 became open when Rep. John Pfeiffer ran for the Republican nomination for labor commissioner instead of seeking reelection. Republicans Madison Bolay and Danielle Deterding advanced to the runoff and will face Democrat Doyle Lewis in November.
In House District 47, Republicans Kevan Gentry and Toby Thompson are competing for the seat vacated by Rep. Brian Hill, who earlier this year sought the Republican nomination for lieutenant governor. Democrat Indigo Oliver awaits the Republican nominee.
House District 81 is the only legislative district on the runoff ballot with contests in both major parties. Republicans Troy Talley and Rusty Rains advanced to the GOP runoff, while Democrats Megan Hornbeek Allen and Jason Lankford will compete for their party’s nomination. The two runoff winners will face one another in November to succeed Rep. Mike Osburn, who did not seek reelection.
In House District 91, Republicans Teresa Sterling and Roberto Seda are competing to replace Rep. Chris Kannady. Democrat Chris Fowler has already secured a place on the November ballot.
House District 99 features the Legislature’s only Democratic runoff outside House District 81. Democrats Herschel Brown and Carlos Robinson advanced from a six-candidate primary and will compete for the opportunity to face Republican Melvin Latham in November. The seat is open because Rep. Ajay Pittman did not seek reelection.
Three districts will be decided in August
While most House runoff winners will advance to the Nov. 3 general election, three districts will effectively settle their races Aug. 25.
The winners in House Districts 1, 18 and 19 will be elected because no Democratic, independent or Libertarian candidates remain on the November ballot.
The remaining six districts will continue into the general election, including House District 81, where voters will choose both the Republican and Democratic nominees before the parties meet in November.
Early voting is scheduled for Aug. 20 and 21. Election Day is Aug. 25.
