Dustin Roberts Announces for HD 21

To continue with the Bryan County political news, another Republican has announced for State House District 21, being vacated by Rep. John Carey (D-Durant). In July, we reported that Jack Accountius was running - today, Dustin Roberts announced his candidacy for the same seat.

Dustin (Pryor) Roberts, a Republican of Durant, has announced his candidacy for the District 21 State Representative seat currently held by Democrat John Carey.

“I am asking the people of the 21st district to give me the honor of representing them in our Oklahoma State Capital,” said Roberts, in a news release.

“Today marks the beginning of a campaign that will try to push the boundaries of political lines, working hand-in-hand with the great people of District 21 and our capital leaders, building a stronger district and a greater state. It is important to examine each of the candidates that will be representing one of the strongest districts in the great state of Oklahoma.”

Roberts was born in McAlester but raised in Durant by parents Pam Roberts and local businessman Dennis Roberts. He is a Durant High School graduate, where he participated in football and track.

Upon graduation in 2003, Roberts enlisted in the United States Navy to serve the nation and fight the war on terrorism.

In his five-year career in the United States Navy, Roberts was the recipient of two Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medals for his efforts in the Horn of Africa situation and again in Operation Iraqi Freedom.

In 2004, Roberts was awarded as the Blue Jacket of the Year and honored with an invitation to the Presidential Inaugural Ball and Inaugural Address. He was promoted, through the Command Advancement Program, to 3rd Class Petty Officer by the Command Master Chief and Commanding Officer of VFA-143. Later, Roberts was awarded Junior Sailor of the Year for the leadership role he took on his second deployment.

After five years of enlistment in the U.S. Navy, Roberts enrolled in Southeastern Oklahoma State University, where he is pursuing a degree in education.

While enrolled at SE, Roberts is also a partner in his family’s business, All Star Beverages, a drive-thru convenience store.

Roberts and his wife of five years, Lindsay Valles Roberts, of Calera, are members of the Durant Elks Lodge and Calera United Methodist Church.

Together, they volunteer with organizations such as Relay for Life and March of Dimes, and are avid supporters of the local 4-H, FFA and athletics programs.

It's highly unusual for a contested Republican primary in either south-east or east-central Oklahoma, which has been dubbed "Little Dixie" due to the highly Democratic nature of voter registration here. This just speaks to the political climate today, both anti-incumbent and anti-Democrat. This could be a great opportunity for the GOP to gain another state legislative seat in the 2nd Congressional District. Currently, only three Republicans hold seats within the district - State Rep. Tad Jones in Claremore (term-limited), State Rep. Doug Cox in Grove, and State Rep. George Faught in Muskogee.