Frustration seen in election filings

THERE are numerous storylines from the candidate filings for Oklahoma’s 2018 elections, although one stands out: People are fired up. The sheer number of filings underscores this point. All told, 794 people originally filed last week for state and federal offices, the largest number since at least 2000. The total also was roughly 200 more than state Election Board officials anticipated.

Whether it was due to the anti-establishment message that helped get Donald Trump elected president, or general dissatisfaction with activity (or lack of) at the Statehouse, or attention stemming from the recent teachers’ strike, the result is a heightened interest in public office. This is a good thing.

For years, Oklahomans have been unwilling to step into the political realm at the state and federal levels. When Democrats dominated state government, Republican challengers were scarce. The same has been true in the decade-plus since the GOP moved into control. Even in races for open seats, all too often only one person might file.

That’s not the case this year. Fifteen people filed and paid the fee to run for governor. Seven people hope to become lieutenant governor. Six are running for labor commissioner. Ten filed to replace Jim Bridenstine in the U.S. House of Representatives from District 1.

In the Legislature, the open seat in House District 82, in Edmond, drew 13 candidates, a dozen of them Republicans. In House District 98 and House District 68, both near Tulsa, nine candidates are running. Eight people are running for Senate District 30 and House District 41, both in the Oklahoma City area.

Two years ago, when 126 legislative seats were up for election, 39 candidates ran unopposed. This year, the only unopposed legislative races involve seats held by incumbents — and that number is small: just four of 14 Senate incumbents, and 16 of 69 House incumbents, are unchallenged.

Those seeking to oust incumbents aren’t strictly from the opposing party. Rep. Bobby Cleveland, R-Slaughterville, drew five Republican challengers (along with a Libertarian and a Democrat). Freshman Rep. Tess Teague, R-Choctaw, has three GOP opponents (and seven overall). Sen. Stephanie Bice, R-Oklahoma City, will face two Republican opponents in the primary.

Likewise, no single issue appears to be driving the turnout. Lawmakers criticized for voting against a package of tax increases to fund teacher pay raises are being challenged — but so are many members who voted in favor of the same plan.

The ballot will include scores of newcomers, but also some familiar names. Some are term-limited legislators, like Rep. Kevin Calvey (running for Oklahoma County commissioner). Others are leaving their current posts to pursue other offices, like Sens. Eddie Fields (lieutenant governor) and Nathan Dahm (1st District Congress). Rep. Glen Mulready is running for insurance commissioner; Rep. Cory Williams hopes to become a district attorney; Rep. John Paul Jordan is seeking a judgeship. Corporation Commissioner Dana Murphy wants to be lieutenant governor.

Inspired candidates turned out in droves last week. Now Oklahoma voters need to return the favor by showing up for the June 26 primary, and for the runoff and general elections later in the year.