Democrats, Republicans Pick Candidates For Seat Vacated By Bridenstine

Oklahoma voters have chosen the Democrat and Republican candidates that will face off to fill the open House of Representatives seat vacated by Jim Bridenstine.

Tim Gilpin will represent the Democrats and Kevin Hern will represent the Republicans.

Election Results

Tulsa business man Kevin Hern defeated former Tulsa County District Attorney Tim Harris. This is Hern's first time to run for public office.

Hern said he's excited, and exhausted by the process so far, but said there is more work to be done.

Hern, who is running for public office for the first time, said he wants to use his business background and hard-working nature to clinch this spot in November.

"Right before I got here I made 50 phone calls in the last 45 minutes, so that's how we're going to run our campaign all the way up until we finish the race in November, and that's how we'll run office when I officially take the office, and that's the kind of congressman you're gonna get, someone that works hard every day," Hern said.

Harris conceded the race to Hern just before 9:00 p.m. but said he wasn't disappointed.

"Hey, I gave it my best. I'm glad I ran a positive campaign cause I can walk away from this thing with my integrity intact. I said I would never go negative and I didn't. I'm glad I made that decision, even though I lost, because that's who I am. I still think a candidate has to win based on who they are, their merits and what they are trying to do on behalf of the people," Harris said.

For the Democrats, Tulsa attorney Tim Gilpin defeated Broken Arrow oil and gas consultant Amanda Douglas.

After the results were in, Gilpin posted on his Facebook page, "On to November! #TeamTim"

Hern and Gilpin will face off in Oklahoma's general election November 6, 2018.