State Rep. Ownbey won't seek 6th term

State Rep. Pat Ownbey (R-Ardmore) announced today that he will not seek a sixth and final term in the State House next year.

Rep. Ownbey posted the following on Facebook:

To the people of House District 48:

Thank you for the honor of serving as your State Representative over the last nine years.

Today I am announcing that I will not seek re-election for a final term in office. My sincere thank you to everyone who has supported me for my time in office. This job has never been about one person, instead the emphasis has always been on serving those who reside in District #48 regardless of party affiliation.

My decision almost ten years ago to run for office was made with a lot of prayer and input from others. That's also the case with today's announcement. Kathy and I made this decision in late summer and we were planning on announcing the news at a luncheon meeting in early November, however the special session prevented that from happening.

As it turns out another special session is looming, so we believe today is the time to share this news with you. Frankly waiting any longer wouldn't be fair to the people of this great district. Instead, today's announcement should allow anyone who might consider running for this seat ample time to make an informed decision prior to the scheduled April filing date.

I'm sure most of you understand when I say the time has passed so quickly. In fact, during the initial primary election night our first grandchild, Anna Kate, was only 13 days old. Today our granddaughter is nine and we are now blessed with three beautiful grandchildren that we dearly love. Anyone who knows our family knows that being close to these kids during this time in their lives is so very important to us. More than anything, that is why we believe now is the time to make this commitment.

I want to say thank you to my beautiful wife Kathy who has sacrificed so much in order for me to serve our district and our state. I absolutely couldn't have done this job without her. We have been on the same team since day one walking to thousands of homes when this process began, listening to what the people felt was most important. Her unwavering support, despite the great sacrifice, has made this job so much more enjoyable. I love you Kathy.

Finally, when my term is completed next November the diamond that remains will be the relationships we have formed with so many people in our district as well as those who work at the Capitol. Whether it was going door to door, attending a volunteer fire department event or a community wide celebration, we have met so many wonderful people who are now and will always be personal friends.

I've also had the privilege to spend countless hours working on issues with other lawmakers and staff members whose desires are to only serve their districts and state to the best of their ability. I'm so proud to serve with these men and women. They are truly amazing individuals.

Once again, I want to say thank you so very much for the honor of serving as your state representative! I will continue to work on behalf of our great district and state until my term has been completed next November.