A longtime Oklahoma City firefighter and battalion chief is entering the race for the Oklahoma Senate.
Randy Cornelius, a resident of Wanette with more than 35 years of public service, announced Thursday he is seeking election to represent Senate District 17.
“I am not a career politician,” Cornelius said. “I’ve spent my life serving my community and solving problems on the front lines. I understand the challenges Oklahoma families face every day, and I am ready to fight for the values that make our state strong.”
Cornelius has served with the Oklahoma City Fire Department since 1988 and rose through the ranks to become a battalion chief. During his career he has responded to thousands of emergency calls, including the response to the Oklahoma City bombing.
In launching his campaign, Cornelius outlined several priorities including lowering costs for families, supporting agriculture and energy industries, improving public safety funding and strengthening education.
He also pointed to efforts aimed at bringing higher paying jobs to Pottawatomie County through economic development and tax policy.
Cornelius previously owned a small construction business and earned an associate’s degree from Oklahoma State University–Oklahoma City.
He and his wife, Johna, live in Wanette. The couple has a daughter, Alayna Smith, and also honor the memory of their son, Chase Cornelius.
