Taylor Wins OK County Sheriff’s Race, First Republican To Win Seat In Nearly A Century
P.D. Taylor wins Oklahoma County sheriff’s race
by Nolan Clay, NewsOK
Oklahoma County Sheriff – OKLAHOMA
County Sheriff (Unexpired Term)
P. D. Taylor 21,963 49.8%
Michael H. Hanson 13,432 30.5%
Ed Grimes 8,714 19.8%
Acting Oklahoma County Sheriff P.D. Taylor won easily Tuesday, beating two opponents in a special general election for sheriff.
Taylor, 71, of Oklahoma City, is the first Republican elected to the county’s top law enforcement position in almost a century. He had almost 50 percent of the more than 46,000 votes cast.
Taylor has served as acting sheriff since his longtime boss, John Whetsel, retired March 1. He beat three GOP candidates in a special primary election in April.
Taylor overcame public frustration with problems at the overcrowded jail to win again Tuesday. He also overcame harsh criticism from his opponents.