Rusty Cornwell, 52, self-made businessman, family man and patriot, will seek the District 6 seat in the Oklahoma House of Representatives, his campaign announced Tuesday. The seat is being vacated by Chuck Hoskins.
Cornwell and his wife of 33 years, Sherri, own a Daylight Donuts shop and Trails End Sanctuary, a commercial hunt area. They have two daughters and five grandchildren.
The Cornwells introduced northern genetic whitetail deer on 1,140 acres west of Vinita. Hunters also find elk, rams and exotics in the hunt area. A lodge on site sleeps up to 20 hunters or guests.
Most days, Rusty Cornwell is up at 1:30 a.m. to begin his day at the donut shop. In more than three decades, Cornwell said he has only missed a day and a half of work. He moves to the sanctuary to host hunters and guests later in the day. Often his day ends between 8 and 9 p.m. Cornwell, a Republican, prides himself on being a hard worker.
“My dad groomed me to be a laborer and I’m proud to be one. I was taught to do the right thing, that a handshake was everything,” he said. “You look a man in the eye and shake hands, and it was golden at that point. Your word and your name mean everything.”
Cornwell also learned many lessons from his two grandfathers, both who served in World War II. He still visits his maternal grandfather about once a week.
Today, Cornwell works with veterans at his hunting area, giving them something to look forward to, something to share in, and sometimes, a reason to go on.
“If you bring in a veteran, put a firearm in his hand, it gives him something he feels like he’s lost, perhaps left on the battlefield,” Cornwell said.
“The people of District 6 have been so good to me when I host events for Wounded Warriors, Purple Heart recipients and others. It is my turn to give back to my friends by representing their interests at the state Capitol,” he said.
Cornwell is a fiscal conservative who believes in the wisdom contained in the U.S. Constitution. He strongly believes in the right to keep and bear arms, taking care of those who fought for our country, and keeping federal government out of our daily lives.
He also believes it’s important to protect rural schools. “We need common sense in Oklahoma right now.”
Cornwell is a sponsor member of The Foundation for Exceptional Warriors (FEW), Whitetails of Oklahoma, Vinita Rotary Club and Vinita Chamber of Commerce.
As for the race for the state House, Cornwell said he will give it his all, just like he did as a young runner on the track team.
“We were 100 yards behind when I got the baton. I took off and gave it everything and passed out at the end of the race. When I woke up, I found out we didn’t win but I was the big story for giving it everything.
“That’s just what I’ll do as your next state representative — I’ll give it all I’ve got.”
