Compiled By Jason Doyle Oden
Primary Election Profile: U.S. Senate
While incumbent Republican Senator James Lankford has drawn no competition from his own party, he’ll face three others on the November ballot. It’s because Democrats, Libertarians and Independents have fielded candidates. However, only the Libertarians will have a primary on June 28, 2016. Steve Perry had filed for the Democratic nomination for the seat, but dropped out leaving Mike Workman as the only Democrat in the race. Because Independents traditionally don’t hold primaries, both candidates will be on the November ballot.
The Libertarians – Dax Ewbank and Robert T. Murphy
Ewbank lives in the Guthrie area with his wife and eight children. He became involved with the Libertarian Party after serving as a “Parking Lot” Delegate for Ron Paul during the Republican convention.
Ewbank’s website can be found here.
Murphy has run for political office in the past, however, this time he’s doing it to promote the Libertarian Party in Oklahoma. According to the Red Dirt Report, Murphy is running to make sure the Libertarian Party appears on every ballot during the June 28 Primary. He is encouraging voters to choose his opponent in the primary, Ewbank.
No website has been established for Murphy.
The Independents – Sean Braddy and Mark T. Beard
Braddy lives in Norman with his wife and three sons. He has worked with disadvantaged youth for several years. He claims to be inspired by the progressive movement and calls himself “a voice for the rest of us.”
Braddy’s website can be found here.
Beard previously ran for Senate as an Independent against Lankford when then Senator Tom Coburn retired before his term ran out. An available website was not found for Beard.
The Democrat – Mike Workman
Workman will be listed as the Democrat running for Senate this November. He’s a former Tulsa area school teacher. In 2014 he campaigned for Oklahoma Labor Commissioner.
Workman’s Facebook page can be found here.
The Republican – James Lankford
Lankford is the incumbent in the race after winning the special election to replace Senator Coburn. Before that Lankford was the Representative for Oklahoma’s 5th Congressional District. He’s also well known as the former director of the Falls Creek Church Camp.
Lankford’s website can be found here.
