OPEA

The Oklahoma Public Employees Association PAC turned in a 10-0-1 score in the primary elections with endorsed candidates winning in 10 of 11 races with only Rep. John Auffett facing a runoff.

In Tuesday's primaries, Republican state Sen. Anthony Sykes of Moore defeated Linda Molsbee of Newcastle for Sykes' central Oklahoma seat. He will face Democrat Susan Hardy Brooks of Tuttle and independent Jason Williford of Sulphur in November.

Republican state Rep. David Dank of Oklahoma City defeated Aaron Kaspereit of Oklahoma City for the GOP nomination and will face Democrat Gail Vines and Independent Edward A. Shadid, both of Oklahoma City.

Republican David Derby of Owasso was re-elected to his House seat over Joe Kelley of Owasso. No Democrat filed for the seat.

Senator Cliff Aldridge won the Republican nomination with 76 percent of the vote and will face Democrat Mike Kelly and Independent Jerry Howell in the general election.

Democratic state Rep. Ed Cannaday of Porum won the Democratic nomination for re-election to his seat and will face Republican Paul C. Parrott of Vian in November.

Former state Rep. Rob Johnson was elected to a seat in the Oklahoma Senate being vacated by his term-limited father, state Sen. Mike Johnson of Kingfisher. Johnson defeated two other candidates for the Republican nomination and was automatically elected because no Democrat sought the seat.

Republican David Holt was elected to Senate District 30 defeating his challenger with 63 percent of the vote. SD 30 is held by Senator Glenn Coffee who is term limited.

In other races, Democratic state Rep. Jerry Shoemake of Morris won over his opponent gathering 79 percent of the vote. Rep. Jabar Shumate won reelection over his challenger as did Rep. Jason Murphey.

Only Rep. John Auffett ran into a snag. With all of the votes counted, Auffet had about 45 percent of the vote. Only 12 votes separated fellow Democrats and William Fourkiller of Stilwell and Jeff Collyge of Westville. Auffett faces a runoff with Fourkiller in August.

OPEAPAC will be meeting in August to make additional recommendations for endorsements in the general election. OPEA chapters are encouraged to email their recommendations to sterlingz@opea.org.