In special statewide and local elections across the state of Oklahoma, Democratic candidates offered a "February Surprise" that resulted in many Democratic candidates taking newly-redistricted seats, a few empty seats, and local/county/state offices.
Press release from the Oklahoma Democratic Party:
DEMOCRATS WIN SPECIAL ELECTIONS
"McDaniel wins House District 1 formerly held by Republicans..."
"McAffrey wins and holds Democratic Senate District 46..."
Oklahoma City-Democrats won respective races from two different areas of Oklahoma tonight.
"We are very pleased with the outcome of a very spirited race," said Wallace Collins State Chair of the Oklahoma Democratic Party. "Our Democratic Candidate, Curtis McDaniel has worked hard, related to the voters of the district, and proudly, won the right to serve the people of House District One." Collins went on to say that he believes the voters in the South Eastern part of the state have made a wise choice, as McDaniel is a long time educator, father, and family man, and is well qualified to carry the mantle of State Representative.
"I have visited with Curtis," Collins said, "and I believe he is ready to go to the State Capitol to fight for better funding for public education, as well as deal with other important issues, such as water rights." McDaniel won earlier in a Democratic Primary, and now has prevailed over both Republican and Independent candidates in the general election.
Representative Al McAffrey won a convincing victory over his Republican opponent tonight, to replace Senator Andrew Rice in Senate District 46. "Representative McAffrey, now Senator McAffrey was first elected in 2006," said Oklahoma State Democratic Chair, Wallace Collins, "I believe that the people of the district have confidence in Senator McAffrey to carry on the tradition of excellent representation, following in the footsteps of former Senators, Bernest Cain and Andrew Rice." "Having served with Al in the State House, I know he is well qualified and ready to take over that Senate seat," Collins added.
Senator McAffrey and his jubilant band of supporters celebrated their victory tonight, with a Victory Party on North Hudson. McAffrey has always been a strong supporter of public education, working people of Oklahoma, and giving representation to those that are often left out or under-represented. With the victory tonight, McAffrey's House seat, District 88 will now become open for another election there.
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Please- if you want to help a blood-red state get at least a little less red, visit the Oklahoma Democratic Party website (where you can easily help us financially, if you choose) at: OKDemocrats.org. And if you're a veteran and a Democrat, please help the ODP's Veterans Committeefight - we need your $, yes, but we also need you to strengthen our voice.