Oklahoma Representative Rande Worthen of Lawton says he will not seek reelection to the Oklahoma House of Representatives, bringing his legislative service to a close at the end of his current term.
Worthen, a former prosecutor, currently serves as chair of the House Judiciary Criminal Committee. During his time in the Legislature, he focused much of his work on public safety policy, criminal justice legislation and education issues.
“Serving the people of Oklahoma has been one of the greatest honors of my life,” Worthen said. “Together we worked to support safer communities, stronger schools and policies that reflect the values of our state.”
Worthen addressed speculation about his decision, saying he had been considering stepping away from office for some time.
“Though some may try to claim they forced me out of running again, I have been considering it for some time now,” Worthen said. “I have been a supporter of every pro life bill before the Legislature during my time in office. But when their bill came before my committee which required charging girls as young as 13 to 17 years of age with murder, I knew I would not hear a bill that would require that result even when they were victims of rape or incest.”
Worthen said his decision followed a year of reflection and prayer.
“It has not been an easy decision, but after much prayer and consideration over the past year, I believe this is the right time,” Worthen said.
He also encouraged Oklahomans to stay engaged in public service and expressed confidence in the state’s future as new leaders step forward.
