By The Associated Press
Globe Staff Writer
OKLAHOMA CITY —
Political newcomers won Republican nominations Tuesday for two of Oklahoma’s congressional seats and the sole statewide race that was on the primary runoff ballot.
2nd District
A veterinarian turned back a doctoral student from Oklahoma State University for the Republican nomination for the 2nd Congressional District seat in the eastern part of the state.
Incumbent Democratic Rep. Dan Boren will be challenged in November by Charles Thompson, 47, who turned back Daniel Edmonds, who is seeking a doctorate in soil science, in Tuesday’s runoff. Thompson led Edmonds 67 percent to 33 percent with all precincts reporting unofficial returns. Boren is seeking a fourth term.
Thompson said his accomplishments — 25 years in the military and starting a veterinary business from scratch in 2000 — made him the more seasoned candidate.
Edmonds, who described himself as the “true conservative choice” in the election, touted credentials that included being a farmer and rancher involved in small business and political internships.
5th District
In the 5th Congressional District, which includes Oklahoma City, longtime Christian youth camp operator James Lankford, 42, defeated Kelvin Calvey, 44, an Iraq war veteran and former state lawmaker, to claim the Republican nomination.
With all precincts reporting unofficial returns, Lankford led Calvey 65 percent to 35 percent. In the fall, Lankford will face Democrat Billy Coyle, an ex-Marine and criminal defense attorney, along with two independents, Dave White and Clark Duffe. Republicans have held the central Oklahoma seat for 36 years.
It was the second time Calvey has run for the seat being vacated by Republican U.S. Rep. Mary Fallin, who is running for governor.
Insurance commissioner
In the only statewide race on Tuesday’s ballot, longtime insurance industry agent and executive John Doak, 47, defeated former Insurance Commissioner John Crawford, 78, in the GOP primary runoff for insurance commissioner. Doak will take on Democratic incumbent Kim Holland in November.
Turnout was light. Runoffs generally attract small numbers, and rain and thunderstorms early Tuesday may have kept some from the polls.
There also were runoff elections for seven state House seats and one state Senate seat.
