Johnson, Walker, Brooks Defeated In Primary Elections
Crowded Oklahoma legislative races produce few upsets
by Ben Felder, NewsOK
Despite a grueling legislative session and a record number of primary challengers, the majority of Oklahoma House and Senate members seeking re-election were largely successful in Tuesday’s primary elections.
Three incumbents fell — Rep. Dennis Johnson, R-Duncan, Rep. Ken Walker, R-Tulsa, and Sen. Corey Brooks, R-Washington.
Twenty-five other incumbents won their primary races.
But considering 29 of the last 30 challenged incumbents during the last two elections cycles won their primary elections, Tuesday’s results represented a bit of a turning tide, even if a small one.
After a year of budget failures, agency cuts and political squabbles, twice the number of legislators as last cycle drew challengers, many of whom said their candidacy sought to bring widespread change to the
Capitol.