Republican Rep. James Leewright announced today he will seek the Senate seat in District 12 and immediately announced important endorsements.
A Creek County business owner, family man and conservative, Leewright said he will continue the tradition of exceptional leadership that Creek County has had for many years in the Oklahoma Legislature.
Senate President Pro-Tempore Brian Bingman, who is vacating the seat said, “Representative Leewright will keep Creek County in the forefront and continue the tradition in our county of sending strong conservative leaders to the Capitol.
“He has the business experience, the community service and leadership credentials necessary to serve us well in the Oklahoma State Senate,” Bingman said.
Corporation Commissioner Todd Hiett, the former Speaker of the House and former Creek County state legislator, said, “Representative Leewright served with honor in his first term in the State House, and has the conservative values necessary to earn my support in his bid for the state Senate,” he said.
Rep. Mark McCullough who represents Sapulpa, said “James has been a great leader for Creek County in the House and as the past president of the Sapulpa Chamber of Commerce, I am convinced he will focus on a pro-growth, conservative agenda that will move Creek County forward.”
“Creek County has a long tradition of strong, conservative leaders whose practical common sense and traditional values have served our state very well,” Leewright said. “I will continue that tradition and be a conservative voice for job creators, workers and families.”
The District 12 state Senate seat is currently held by Bingman, who is term limited and cannot seek reelection.
Leewright’s news release says he has a solid record of creating jobs, strengthening schools, protecting constitutional and private property rights and defending traditional values. Additionally, he knows that federal overreach is threatening all Oklahomans – from the rising cost of health care to the increases in utility costs.
“More than ever, we need state legislators who will stand up to the Obama administration and be the line of defense for the citizens of Oklahoma against the overreach of this president and his federal agencies,” Leewright added.
After working for many years at a Fortune 500 company, Leewright took over his family’s Creek County business and it is now one of the most respected restoration and construction businesses in Oklahoma. Today, Dynamic Restoration is a thriving company that provides jobs to many area residents.
“I believe the challenges facing our state’s budget can best be met by individuals who have the everyday experience of running a business, making the tough decisions that must be made in order to meet payroll and to keep the lights on,” Leewright said.
Leewright and his wife, Cari, have four children: Blake, 16, Jack, 13, Kendall, 12 and Carington, 5. They attend First Baptist Church in Bristow.
In the House, Leewright was propelled into leadership as a freshman legislator serving as the Assistant Majority Whip. He also serves as vice chair of the Banking and Financial Services Committee. Leewright is also a member of the Government Oversight & Accountability Committee, the Higher Education & Career Tech Committee and the Appropriations & Budget Transportation subcommittee.
The first question I would ask if he voted for Senator Bingman’s museum up in Tulsa, if he did, he is a big government guy that is NOT for the people.