Oklahoma County GOP voters choose Hines in SD47 runoff

Last Updated on August 27, 2024, 10:41 PM | Published: August 27, 2024

OKLAHOMA CITY (Free Press) — Oklahoma County voters cast their ballots Tuesday night to decide the GOP nominee for Senate District 47 and weighed in on several ballot initiatives around the county.

In the northwest OKC Senate District 47 GOP runoff race, Kelly Hines overwhelmingly defeated Jenny Schmitt securing  60.3 percent of the vote compared to Schmitt’s 40 percent, according to the unofficial results from the Oklahoma State Election Board. 

In the June 18 primary, Hines led the field by 310 votes, outpacing Schmitt, who received the governor’s endorsement. 

The seasoned Army veteran will go up against Democrat Erin Brewer in the November general election to replace Speaker Pro Tem Greg Term, who is term-limited. 

“I’m glad that the voters put me in this position. I look forward to moving on securing the race against the Democrat,” said Hines in a phone interview with Free Press following the victory. “I’m very humble that, you know, I had an army of volunteers… This is truly a community outpouring that’s got me here.” 

OKC and surrounding areas in the county held elections to determine whether to approve or reject several propositions related to tax increases and the authorization of bond sales. 

OKC Hotel Tax increase 

Oklahoma City residents voted overwhelmingly to raise the hotel tax from 5.5% to 9.25%, effective October 1. According to the unofficial results from the State Election Board,  68.4% voted for the initiative while 31.4% voted against it. The tax will apply to hotel guests or renters of home-sharing properties in OKC. 

According to a financial impact report, Oklahoma City’s lodging tax rate has remained at 5.5% since 2004, bringing in approximately $18.8 million yearly. The 3.75% increase is estimated to generate an additional $11.8 million, primarily to promote tourism in the city. A small portion of the revenue will go towards event sponsorship and improving the OKC Fairgrounds and Convention Center. 

Deer Creek Fire Protection [millage increase]

In Deer Creek, voters passed a ballot initiative to increase the mill or property tax rates to generate more revenue for the Deer Creek Fire Protection District. 

For the first time in 28 years, the Deer Creek FPD has requested an increase in the millage rate from 7.3 mills to 10 mills in Oklahoma County. One mill represents $1 for every $1,000 of taxable value. A rate of 10 mills means $10 of tax is applied to every $1,000 of property value. 

This will lead to an annual increase of approximately $125 for the average property owner within the fire protection district in Oklahoma County. The additional funding will be used for increased staffing, capital improvements, and ambulance services. 

The increase is set to take effect in late 2025 or the beginning of 2026.

Mcloud Public Schools’ propositions 

In some Oklahoma County precincts, voters denied a bond package with two propositions for McLoud Public Schools. 

According to the unofficial results, only 131 people voted and it failed to pass by just 15 votes. 

The first, which totaled nearly $30 million, was proposed to fund district-wide improvements, from the Early Childhood Center to McLoud High School. The second, valued at $1.1 million would have been allocated for transportation equipment for the district. 

Election results are still subject to change and won’t be considered final until they are certified by the appropriate election board.

Brianna Garcia is a freelance journalist covering local politics and culture for Free Press. She has a degree in Journalism from the University of Central Oklahoma.