Candidate filing was last week and there were a few surprises - two of which were incumbents with unorthodox strategies.
State Rep. Kevin McDugle (R-Broken Arrow) and State Sen. Chris Kidd (R-Waurika) both withdrew their candidacies after the filing period ended, ensuring that McDugle's hand-picked successor advances to the general election and narrowing the field to three Republicans in Kidd's district.
Below are their respective press releases:
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| Mark Chapman (l) and State Rep. Kevin McDugle (r) |
Monday April 8 – State Representative Kevin McDugle and Republican candidate Mark Chapman jointly announce an update on their candidacies to represent the people of Oklahoma’s district 12, which covers Wagoner county.
From State Representative Kevin McDugle, “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’.”
Mark Chapman stated, “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.”
Mark Chapman is an entrepreneur and investor, and is the owner and President of Allied Broadcast Group, a 27 year success story of assisting customers in solving and accessing the right professional video equipment, custom built trailers and trucks, and gear for their specific needs - from churches to sports and mobile full scale production needs. Mark is also an author, and he and his wife Brenda are proud parents of 3 and grandparents of 5.
Mark Chapman’s campaign facebook page is: Mark Chapman for State Representative. Please follow for more announcements and information coming soon!
(April 10th) “I leave with a heart full of gratitude for the opportunity to make a difference in the lives of Oklahomans.”
OKLAHOMA CITY — With a legacy of dedicated service and significant legislative achievements, Senator Chris Kidd, R-Waurika, has announced his intention not to seek reelection and retire from the Oklahoma Senate in November, at the end of his current term. Senator Kidd, a fifth-generation Oklahoman with deep roots in the state’s agricultural community, leaves behind a record of impactful legislation and community development.
“Working for the citizens of Oklahoma has been one of the most rewarding, fulfilling, and humbling experiences of my life,” said Kidd. “I take great pride in the accomplishments we made for our state during my tenure, but now I look forward to spending more time at home with my family.”
Throughout his tenure, Senator Kidd has been a tireless advocate for economic prosperity, public health, education, and the well-being of military families in Oklahoma. Notable among his legislative accomplishments is the Oklahoma Research and Development Attractions Act, an innovative measure designed to invigorate the state's economy by attracting research and development companies through a grant program managed by the Oklahoma Center for the Advancement of Science and Technology (OCAST).
As chairman of the Senate Agricultural and Rural Affairs Committee, Senator Kidd has overseen the passage of countless policies to help rural Oklahoma and ensure the state’s agriculture industry continues to thrive.
In a move to support military families, Senator Kidd extended a sales tax exemption to spouses of service members killed in action, demonstrating his commitment to those who have made the ultimate sacrifice for their country. The state now celebrates Oklahoma State Aviation and Aerospace Day on Aug. 19 each year after he passed a bill during the 2017 legislative session to commemorate Oklahoma’s second-largest industry.
Furthermore, Senator Kidd’s legislation enabling county health departments to form "health districts" stands as a testament to his dedication to enhancing health care access and outcomes across Oklahoma counties. He also showed his commitment to our public schools when he championed legislation to ensure school support staff were paid even if their district was closed due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Senator Kidd’s efforts have directly contributed to historic investments in Oklahoma’s public education, including securing funds to expand nursing programs at Cameron University and the Great Plains Technology Center. He also sponsored legislation in 2023 to create the Oklahoma State University Veterinary Medicine Authority. This helped ensure a dependable source of funding for OSU’s veterinary medicine education programs.
His advocacy for the elimination of the state’s grocery tax and the expansion of broadband access further highlights his commitment to improving the quality of life for all Oklahomans.
In recognition of his contributions, Senator Kidd was honored as the County Commissioner Legislator of the Year in 2022, a fitting accolade for his work in strengthening county governance and services.
Prior to his election to the Senate in 2016, Senator Kidd's diverse career spanned roles in economic development with the Chickasaw Nation, banking, and education, in addition to his ongoing involvement in the agricultural sector alongside his family. As a devoted husband and father of three daughters, his commitment to his family and community has been paramount.
Senator Kidd expressed his gratitude to the people of Oklahoma for their trust and support, stating, “It has been the honor of my lifetime to serve the great state of Oklahoma. I am proud of what we have achieved together, and I leave with a heart full of gratitude for the opportunity to make a difference in the lives of Oklahomans.”
As he steps down to focus on his family and ranch, Senator Kidd's legacy of service, advocacy, and leadership will undoubtedly continue to benefit Oklahoma for years to come.
Kidd was first elected to the Oklahoma Senate in 2016.
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