Domino Effect: 5th District Race Begins
Rush is on for congressional seat being vacated by Oklahoma Republican Rep. James Lankford
By Chris Casteel
WASHINGTON — Rep. James Lankford’s decision to run for U.S. Senate has set off a scramble for the congressional seat he has held for three years.
State Sen. Clark Jolley, R-Edmond, is expected to run, and Oklahoma Corporation Commissioner Patrice Douglas, also an Edmond Republican, is eyeing the race.
Jolley, who was elected to a four-year term in 2012, could run without giving up his state Senate seat. Douglas would have to choose between running for Congress or another term on the commission.
At least two former state legislators are moving toward a campaign for Lankford’s seat — Republicans Steve Russell, of Oklahoma City, and Shane Jett, of Tecumseh.