OKLAHOMA CITY — Oklahoma voters headed to the polls Tuesday, June 16, to cast ballots in a series of statewide and local primary elections that will shape the political landscape heading into the November general election and several August runoff contests. Statewide races, legislative contests, county offices, and State Question 832 were among the major issues decided by voters.
State Question 832 Fails
One of the most closely watched items on the ballot was State Question 832, a proposal that would have gradually increased Oklahoma’s minimum wage. Oklahoma voters rejected the measure, with unofficial results showing approximately 55% voting against the proposal and 45% supporting it. The measure’s defeat keeps Oklahoma’s minimum wage aligned with the current federal minimum wage.
T.W. Shannon Wins Republican Lieutenant Governor Primary
Former Oklahoma Speaker of the House and former state senator T.W. Shannon secured a decisive victory in the Republican primary for lieutenant governor. Shannon received more than 53% of the vote, avoiding a runoff election and advancing directly to the November general election. Shannon emerged from a crowded six-candidate field to become the Republican nominee.
Marshall Captures Democratic Nomination for State Superintendent
Education advocate and former educator Jennettie Marshall won the Democratic primary for Oklahoma Superintendent of Public Instruction.
Marshall defeated fellow Democrat Craig McVay, receiving 97,625 votes (57.68%) compared to McVay’s 71,624 votes (42.32%). With the majority victory, Marshall secured the Democratic nomination and advances to the general election. Her campaign focused on strengthening public education, supporting teachers, and improving student outcomes across Oklahoma.
District 97: Timmons Earns Re-Election
Incumbent State Representative Aletia Timmons overwhelmingly won re-election in House District 97.
Timmons defeated challenger Chimere Grant by a margin of 3,872 votes (85.57%) to 653 votes (14.43%), securing another term representing northeast Oklahoma City at the State Capitol.
Oklahoma County Commissioner Race Heads to Runoff
The race for Oklahoma County Commissioner produced one of the evening’s closest outcomes.
Incumbent Jason Lowe led a four-candidate field with 10,246 votes (49.31%), narrowly missing the majority needed to avoid a runoff. Lowe will face Kayla Baker, who finished second with 5,807 votes (27.95%).
The two candidates will meet in a runoff election scheduled for August 25.
House District 99 Heads to August Runoff
Voters in Oklahoma House District 99 will also return to the polls in August after no candidate received a majority of the vote in a five-person race.
Dr. Herschel Brown finished first with 1,459 votes (37.18%), while Dr. Carlos Robinson placed second with 944 votes (24.06%).
The two candidates advance to the August 25 runoff election.
Other candidates in the race included Derrick Sier, who received 768 votes (19.57%), Alan Washington with 437 votes (11.14%), and Steve Davis with 316 votes (8.05%).
Stewart Wins Re-Election in House District 73
State Representative Ron Stewart won re-election in House District 73, securing another term representing the Tulsa-area district. Stewart, who serves as House Democratic Minority Whip, will continue his work on issues including public safety, healthcare, and economic development.
Looking Ahead
With several races now settled and others headed to runoff elections, Oklahoma’s political season is far from over. Voters will return to the polls on August 25 to decide key runoff contests, while candidates who secured nominations Tuesday will begin preparing for the November general election.
The results signal continued voter engagement in statewide issues, education policy, county government leadership, and legislative representation throughout Oklahoma.
The Black Chronicle will continue providing updates as official election results are certified and runoff campaigns begin across the state.
