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Several new House, Senate members win seats in Oklahoma Legislature • Oklahoma Voice

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Several new House, Senate members win seats in Oklahoma Legislature • Oklahoma Voice


OKLAHOMA CITY — Tuesday’s election swept in several new House and Senate members vying for open seats, but also proved to be a good night for incumbents.

Not a single incumbent state House or Senate lawmaker lost Tuesday. 

Incumbent Republican Warren Hamilton of McCurtain easily defeated Democrat challenger Jerry L. Donathan of McAlester in the race for Senate District 7 by a vote of 77% to 23%.

In the race for Senate District 15, Republican Lisa Standridge bested Democrat Elizabeth Foreman by a vote of 62% to 38%. Both are from Norman.

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Standrige is the spouse of Sen. Rob Standridge, R-Norman, who is leaving due to term limits.

The seat for Senate District 21 became open when Tom Dugger, D-Stillwater, decided not to seek another term.

Republican Dr. Randy Grellner of Cushing defeated Democrat Robin Fuxa of Stillwater by a vote of 65% to 35%.

Sen. Dave Rader, R-Tulsa, fended off Democrat Melissa Bryce of Tulsa in the race for Senate District 39. The vote was 56% to 44%.

The seat for Senate District 43 became open when Sen. Jessica Garvin, R-Duncan, lost her reelection bid in the primary.

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Republican Kendal Sacchieri of Blanchard defeated Democrat Sam Graefe of Purcell by a vote of 80.5% to 19.5%.

Senate Minority Leader Kay Floyd, D-Oklahoma City, could not run again for Senate District 46 due to term limits.

Democrat Mark Mann of Oklahoma City beat Republican Charles Barton of Del City and David Pilchman, an independent from Oklahoma City. Mann garnered 60.42% of the vote.

Republican Kelly E. Hines defeated Democrat Erin Brewer in the race for Senate District 47, which became open when Senate President Pro Tem Greg Treat, R-Oklahoma City, termed out. Both are from Edmond. The vote was 53% to 47%.

In the race for House District 4, Rep. Bob Ed Culver, R-Tahlequah, easily defeated Democratic challenger Christopher Wier, also of Tahlequah. The vote was 68% to 32%.

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Rep. Kevin McDugle, R-Broken Arrow, chose not to seek reelection to House District 12.

Republican Mark Chapman of Broken Arrow beat Democrat Crystal LaGrone of Coweta by a vote of 79% to 21%.

Rep. Scott Fetgatter, R-Okmulgee, easily defeated Democratic challenger Rosie Lynch, also of Okmulgee, in the race for House 

District 16. The vote was 71% to 29%.

“I am just thankful the citizens of House District 16 reelected me for a ninth year,” Fetgatter said. “I am excited to get to work and work with new leadership.”

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In the race for House District 26, Rep. Dell Kerbs defeated Democrat Kerri Keck, also of Shawnee, by a vote of 62% to 38%.

Kerbs said he commends anybody who puts their name on the ballot to run for office. 

“It takes a lot of courage and hard work,” Kerbs said.

He said he appreciated the voters of House District 26 for sending him back to the Capitol.

Rep. Trish Ranson, D-Stillwater, beat Republican challenger Andrew Muchmore, also of Stillwater, in the race for House District 34. The vote was 59% to 41%.

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In the race for House District 37, Rep. Ken Luttrell, R-Ponca City, beat independent Carter Rogers of Fairfax by a vote of 79% to 21%.

“It has been an honor and privilege for me to serve this district and listen to the concerns, issues and problems here in rural Oklahoma,” Luttrell said.

He said he will work to see that students have a path to success and stay in Oklahoma. He also wants to work on finding common sense solutions to problems.

“I am honored and humbled by the support,” Luttrell said.

Rep. Denise Crosswhite Hader, R-Yukon, defeated Democrat Mike Bockus of Edmond in the race for House District 41. The vote was 68% to 32%.

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In the race for House District 43, Rep. Jay Steagall, R-Yukon, beat independent Cassie Kinet, also of Yukon, by a vote of 70% to 30%.

Rep. Jacob Rosecrants, D-Norman, bested Republican Alexander W. Torvi of Norman in the race for House District 46. The vote was 54% to 46%.

Polling showed the race was going to be tight, Rosecrants said.

Rosecrants thanked his opponent, who he said ran a good race.

“What this shows, though, is that my constituents don’t like extremism,” Rosecrants said. “They don’t like (State Superintendent) Ryan Walters.”

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Rosecrants said he ran on being accessible and working across the aisle.

Rep. Suzanne Schreiber, D-Tulsa, held on to House District 70. She beat  GOP challenger Bradley Banks, also from Tulsa, by a vote of 56% to 44%.

Republican David B. Hooten of Nichols Hills was unsuccessful in his attempt to unseat House Minority Leader Cyndi Munson, D-Oklahoma City, in the race for House District 85. The vote was 61% to 39%.

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Oklahoma

Oklahoma initiative kicks off by training librarians to help with telehealth visits

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Oklahoma initiative kicks off by training librarians to help with telehealth visits


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Oklahomans living in areas with limited internet access soon will be able to receive help with virtual doctor’s appointments at their local library.

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An initiative from Arkansas-based Heartland Forward, a “policy think-and-do tank,” and a grant from the James M. Cox Foundation is making this possible.

Here’s what we know.

Librarians receiving training on supporting telehealth visits

With the help of a $25,000 grant from the James M. Cox Foundation, the nonprofit and philanthropic arm of Cox Enterprises, Oklahoma librarians will be trained on accessing and preparing for a telehealth appointment using the Telehealth DigitalLearn module, according to a news release.

Librarians can then use the module, which was funded by the Ford Foundation, to help community members learn more about telehealth.

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Why Heartland Forward is targeting Oklahoma, Arkansas for telehealth access

According to the latest benchmark from the Federal Communications Commission, broadband or high-speed internet is defined as receiving 100/20 mbps download and upload speeds.

The latest FCC broadband map shows just over 91% of Oklahoma homes and businesses are covered by broadband, not including satellite technology, which Engagement Director Nicholas Camper, with the Oklahoma Broadband Office, said amounts to about 450,000 Oklahomans without high-speed internet access.

According to the Oklahoma Broadband Office’s interactive map, there are more than 100,000 locations in Oklahoma that could receive broadband that have not, and more than 80,000 locations that are underserved.

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In addition, a Heartland Forward study found that 25% of counties surveyed in the region had a population-to-primary care physician ratio more than double the U.S. average. Telehealth can help bridge this gap, but only for those with access to the internet.

The new initiative will allow libraries to connect Oklahomans to “critical health services,” Education Secretary Nellie Sanders said in the news release.

“Libraries are often the first place community members turn to for resources and support, especially in areas where healthcare access can be limited,” Natalie Currie, director of the Oklahoma Department of Libraries, said in the release. “By training librarians to help Oklahomans navigate telehealth technology, we’re opening doors to essential healthcare services and enhancing the well-being of our communities.”



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Oklahoma vs Alabama injury report: Initial updates, news for Week 13

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Oklahoma vs Alabama injury report: Initial updates, news for Week 13


Injuries have plagued the Oklahoma Sooners during the 2024 season. It’s been an unfortunate reality for Brent Venables and his staff, particularly on the offensive side of the football.

With a pivotal game coming this week in Norman against the Alabama Crimson Tide, the Sooners are hoping for any sort of positive news on the injury front. Oklahoma looks like they’ll get one of their key offensive linemen back this week, Michael Tarquin. That should help provide better protection for quarterback Jackson Arnold.

Here’s a look at Wednesday’s initial injury report.

Oklahoma injury report

Player Position Status 11/20
Jayden Gibson WR OUT
Gentry Williams DB OUT
Geirean Hatchett OL OUT
Nic Anderson WR OUT
Kendel Dolby DB OUT
Andrel Anthony WR OUT
Jacob Sexton OL OUT
Jake Taylor OL OUT
Deion Burks WR Doubtful
Jovantae Barnes RB Questionable
Joshua Bates OL Questionable

 Alabama injury report

Player Position Status 11/20
Keon Sabb DB OUT
Cole Adams WR OUT
Quandarrius Robinson LB OUT

Michael Tarquin injury update

After missing Oklahoma’s last two games against Maine and Missouri, it looks like starting tackle Michael Tarquin will be back in action this week after not landing on the initial injury report. Now, the question becomes, does he take over at right or left tackle?

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Deion Burks injury update

Deion Burks was concussed late in the Sooners’ loss to Missouri. He had been out of action since the Tennessee game and looks like he’ll be unavailable this week against Alabama.

Jovantae Barnes injury update

Jovantae Barnes sprained his ankle during his 200-yard effort against Maine and was forced to miss the game against Missouri. Though listed as questionable for this week, he’s had two weeks to rest. Depending on how severe the initial injury was, he could be back in action this week.

Gavin Sawchuk injury update

Running back Gavin Sawchuk was off the injury report for Oklahoma’s game against Missouri but didn’t play. Instead it was Taylor Tatum, Xavier Robinson, and Sam Franklin getting the running back snaps. Could Sawchuk be available this week to help the Sooners rushing attack?

Joshua Bates injury update

Joshua Bates missed the game against Missouri with an undisclosed injury. Troy Everett has solidified the center position for the Sooners but you would like to have some depth available.



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Oklahoma’s House members sworn in at Capitol

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Oklahoma’s House members sworn in at Capitol


The newly elected and reelected members of the Oklahoma House are sworn into office Wednesday at the state Capitol in Oklahoma City. (Photo by Emma Murphy/Oklahoma Voice)

OKLAHOMA CITY — Members of the Oklahoma House were sworn into office Wednesday in the House chambers at the Capitol. 

Both newly elected and reelected members took time to recognize their family, friends and constituents who elected them to serve. 

The Oklahoma House Republican caucus elected Rep. Kyle Hilbert, R-Bristow, Tuesday as Speaker-Elect of the House for the 60th Legislature. 

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“Together, we must rise to the occasion of the urgent challenges facing Oklahomans, including the ongoing pinch of inflation, a widening workforce skills gap and much-needed investment in our public infrastructure system including transportation, water, wastewater and broadband connectivity,” he said in a statement Tuesday. “Our caucus is ready to make the tough decisions needed to move Oklahoma forward.”

The House will formally vote for the next Speaker of the House on its organizational day in January. If elected, Hilbert, 30, will be the youngest House speaker in Oklahoma history. 

Rep. Ajay Pittman, D-Oklahoma City, was in attendance with her mother, Anastasia Pittman, who previously served in the Oklahoma House and Senate. 

“I stand before you today as the new chair of the Oklahoma Legislative Black Caucus,” she said. “And I’m just so humbled to the constituents of House District 99 and the voters for allowing me to come back here for my fourth term and continue the legacy of leadership.”

Rep. Scott Fetgatter, R-Okmulgee, thanked his constituents and colleagues as he offered advice to the freshman lawmakers. 

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I would like to thank the constituents in House District 16 for electing the unelectable for the past eight years,” he said. “Going into my ninth year … I’m looking forward to serving with everybody in this room. If you’re a freshman the one thing that I would like to impart to you is that if I yell at you while we’re on the floor, it’s not personal.”

Oklahoma House Democratic Leader Cyndi Munson, D-Oklahoma City, welcomed new members of the House in a statement Wednesday. 

“I am excited to work with these incredible individuals and look forward to serving the State of Oklahoma alongside my House Democratic colleagues returning to the state Capitol,” Munson said in a statement. “House Democrats will remain focused on lowering costs for working Oklahoma families, keeping public dollars in public schools, pushing back against harmful rhetoric and actions from our state superintendent, and ensuring Oklahomans have access to the health care they need.”

The 101 members of the House will convene for an organizational day Jan. 7 ahead of the upcoming legislative session on Feb. 3. 

The Oklahoma Senate was sworn in Nov. 13.

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