Pruitt Nixes Rumors Of Congress Run, Eyeing Race For Governor
Pruitt contemplates governor’s race
By Nathan Thompson, Bartlesville Examiner-Enterprise
Oklahoma’s Attorney General Scott Pruitt said he is not considering a 2018 run for the First Congressional District seat, currently held by Rep. Jim Bridenstine.
Pruitt sat down Tuesday with the Examiner-Enterprise prior to a town hall meeting at the Bartlesville Public Library to talk about his political future, among other subjects. He said he is considering running for governor, but not Congress.
The Oklahoman reported Monday many state political insiders think Pruitt may run for Bridenstine’s seat. Bridenstine said he will honor a commitment he made to only serve three terms and step aside, leaving the Congressional seat open.
Pruitt, a Republican, ran unsuccessfully for the First Congressional District in 2001 while he was serving in the Oklahoma Senate. Pruitt said any speculation that he is considering running in 2018 for the seat is inaccurate.
“As far as the First District is concerned, I’m not for sure where that comes from,” Pruitt said. “That’s not something I’ve contemplated, nor do I anticipate contemplating. It’s something that I’ve not viewed as a fit.”