Filing begins for two state legislative seats
Just two candidates filed for office Monday as Oklahoma state officials begin tallying who wants to fill a pair of vacant legislative seats.
Political hopefuls have until the close of business Wednesday to request their name be on the ballot for Senate District 44 and House District 46.
The Senate district encompasses south and southwest Oklahoma City, while the House seat would represent Norman.
Former Sen. Ralph Shortey served District 44 until he was charged in a child prostitution case this year. He resigned his position. The only person who filed to replace Shortey on Monday was Republican Joe Griffin, a former television reporter and communication aide for Republican lawmakers.
Democrat Michael Brooks-Jimenez also is expected to file.
House District 46 would have been an open seat in 2018 because of term limits, but state Rep. Scott Martin announced he accepted a job as president of the Norman Chamber of Commerce this year.
Darin Chambers, a Republican, filed for the House vacancy Monday. He is a military veteran who teaches engineering and works as a general manager.
Jacob Rosecrants and Charlie Samples have filed campaign fundraising documents in the race.
Primary elections would be July 11, and the general elections are scheduled for Sept. 12.
There are six Capitol vacancies that need to be filled. The Oklahoma State Election Board picks up most of the tab.
A special House election costs the state $30,000. Its Senate counterpart costs about $40,000 because it involves more precincts, more ballots and usually more counties.
Election Board Assistant Secretary Pam Slater said that despite the cost, the agency won’t have to ask for extra money this year.
“We will not need supplemental to conduct these (special elections),” Slater said. “While there are more now than have ever been that I remember, we would be able to absorb that into our budget.”
However, she said the board would have to ask the Legislature for more money if a congressional seat becomes vacant.