OKLAHOMA CITY — Candidates for various state, federal, and judicial offices in Oklahoma will begin filing their candidacies from April 1-3, 2024, at the Oklahoma State Capitol. This filing period is critical as Oklahoma voters prepare to decide key races for statewide elective offices, 101 state House seats, and 25 Senate seats, along with U.S. Senate and U.S. House races.
Key Elections and Offices on the Ballot
This election cycle will feature a number of important races, including:
- Gubernatorial Race: With Republican Governor Kevin Stitt serving his last term, Oklahoma’s next governor will be decided. So far, 13 candidates have already filed paperwork with the Oklahoma Ethics Commission to run for the office.
- U.S. Senate: U.S. Sen. Markwayne Mullin’s seat is expected to be open following his anticipated confirmation as the head of the Department of Homeland Security. This will create a significant opportunity for candidates in both parties.
- U.S. House of Representatives: All five U.S. House seats will be up for grabs, including the seat for District 1, currently held by Rep. Kevin Hern. Hern plans to run for Mullin’s Senate seat, thus vacating his House seat.
- State Offices: Other statewide offices on the ballot include lieutenant governor, attorney general, state treasurer, state superintendent, state auditor, labor commissioner, insurance commissioner, and one of three corporation commissioners.
- State Legislature: Voters will also choose candidates for 101 state House seats and 25 Senate seats. Senate District 17, currently held by Sen. Shane Jett, will be filled through a special election due to Jett’s term limits.
Special Elections in Oklahoma City
Some residents of downtown and central Oklahoma City will be involved in two races for the same seat. A special election will be held to complete the remainder of former state Rep. Forrest Bennett’s term in House District 92, after Bennett resigned last year to lead the AFL-CIO. Voters will also participate in a regular election to determine who will serve a full term in the same district.
Both of these elections will take place during the April 1-3 filing period.
Political Landscape and Candidate Recruitment
According to Senate Minority Leader Julia Kirt (D-Oklahoma City), Democrats have been actively recruiting candidates for Senate seats over the past year. Senate President Pro Tempore Lonnie Paxton (R-Tuttle) echoed this sentiment, noting that while legislative pay has been increased, it isn’t the driving factor for most candidates.
- In November, the state panel voted to increase legislative pay to $54,900 from $47,500, along with hikes in stipends for several legislative leaders.
- Paxton emphasized that the best candidates are those who see running for office as a sacrifice, not an opportunity for self-promotion.
Filing Details and Common Mistakes
The filing process will be managed by the Oklahoma State Election Board, and the filing results will be posted online within 15 to 20 minutes after they are accepted.
Candidates should be aware of common mistakes during the filing process, such as failing to:
- Complete the full declaration of candidacy
- Bring the required voter registration verification form
Additionally, candidates filing by cashier’s check should ensure it is made out to the Secretary of the State Election Board (not to the Secretary personally).
Protests and Filing Deadlines
Candidates who wish to protest an opponent’s candidacy must do so by 5 p.m. on April 7, 2024. The State Election Board will review any petitions and determine if a candidate should be removed from the ballot.
Candidates seeking office for county offices will need to file with their local election board, rather than the State Election Board.
Summary of Key Dates
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Filing Period | April 1-3, 2024 |
| Deadline for Protests | April 7, 2024, 5:00 p.m. |
| Results Posted | Within 15-20 minutes after filing acceptance |
With so many offices up for grabs, the 2024 election cycle in Oklahoma promises to be a highly competitive and impactful one. From gubernatorial to state legislative and U.S. House races, Oklahoma voters will have many crucial decisions to make in the coming months.
As candidates file for office during the April 1-3 period, the political landscape is set to shift, with major implications for the state’s future. For the latest information and to track filings, be sure to visit the Oklahoma State Election Board’s website.
