OKLAHOMA CITY — After successfully completing the gauntlet of registration paperwork, Kenny Smith smiled and posed for pictures with his grandchildren who had waited patiently by his side as he filed for legislative office.
The 68-year-old Gore resident filed to challenge sitting state Sen. Tom Woods, RWestville, for the Republican nomination to represent Senate District 4.
The legislative district encompasses a large part of eastern Oklahoma, including Delaware, Adair, Cherokee and Sequoyah counties.
“I feel like that we need some representation for the people,” said Smith. “(I) feel like that politicians or the political arena has not been favoring the small business, small people or the local people, and we want to be a voice for the people.”
Smith, a Republican, was among many first-time candidates who over three days filed to run for office. They shared similar concerns that legislators are not listening to their constituents and said that they believed voters deserve an alternative option at the ballot box this year.
Smith, a pastor and contractor, said he feels like his voice, and those of his neighbors, are being drowned out by special interests, lobbyists and big businesses at the Capitol.
Whoever wins the June Republican Senate primary will then face Democrat Ellen Cuff in November’s general election.
“My priorities will really be (to) work for the people, find out what they want and then actually go up there and represent them instead of all the special interests and what the established leaders feel like is best,” he said.
In all, over 600 Oklahomans filed for state and federal office, judgeships and district attorney posts, according to the State Election Board.
The number of people filing exceeds four years ago when 569 Oklahomans filed.
About 40 of the 101 House seats on the ballot will see a primary election this cycle to determine which candidate will represent their party.
And, the winners of at least 50 House races won’t be determined until the general election, according to filing information.
On the Senate side, there are 25 on the ballot. Of those, about 12 will have a primary election. Over a dozen state Senate races will appear on the general election ballot in November.
Emma Murphy contributed to this report. Oklahoma Voice is an affiliate of States Newsroom, the nation’s largest statefocused nonprofit news organization, supported by grants/ donations. Oklahoma Voice provides nonpartisan reporting, and retains full editorial independence. To read the complete story, visit oklahomavoice.com.
