There won’t be a need for a Republican primary for the House District 12 seat because current office holder Representative Kevin McDugle is withdrawing from the race and endorsing his Republican opponent, Mark Chapman.
“As many of you know, I served three tours of duty as a Marine for our great country, and each time I came home, I was proud of the job accomplished to preserve freedom and liberty. As your State Representative, I’ve fought hard to hold the line and protect your freedoms here at home as well, and to ensure that Wagoner county becomes a leader in the state in opportunity and growth. Many times I’ve prayed for rest for a warrior to recharge for a bit. I have known Mark Chapman for years, and I trust him as a brother in arms in principles and policy. We have spent hours talking and praying about this decision on which of us should move forward. I am announcing today that I am withdrawing my candidacy and am giving Mark Chapman my full support to serve ‘for such a time as this’,” said McDugle in the announcement that he was withdrawing from the race.
Chapman is the owner and president of Allied Broadcast Group.
“I am honored to join with Representative McDugle in this joint announcement to show unity and strength in the decision to allow me uncontested to carry the torch of freedom as the nominee of the Republican party in this fall’s election. He had mentioned that he was praying about his next steps, and both of us needed time to continue talking and come to a joint decision on this. I will count him as a mentor, and look forward to visiting over the next several months with residents across the district as I prepare to enter the November election to serve our district and our state,” said Chapman, who will face Democrat Crystal LaGrone in the November General Election.
