OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) -- The longtime operator of a Christian youth camp has defeated a former member of the Oklahoma Legislature to win the Republican nomination for a congressional seat in central Oklahoma.
James Lankford of Edmond beat former state Rep. Kevin Calvey of Oklahoma City in Tuesday's primary runoff in the state's 5th distirct. Lankford had also led in balloting July 27 but did not have enough votes to avoid a runoff. During the past four weeks, Lankford suggested he represents a "fresh voice" in Congress. Calvey touted his military and legislative experience, saying he had the background needed to succeed in the U.S. House.
Lankford will face Democratic nominee Billy Coyle and two independents on Nov. 2 in the race to replace incumbent Mary Fallin, who last month won the GOP's nomination for governor.
Meanwhile, in Oklahoma's 2nd district a veterinarian from Hulbert has defeated a 26-year-old rancher and doctoral candidate to win the Republican nomination for a congressional seat in eastern Oklahoma. Dr. Charles Thompson defeated Daniel Edmonds of Morris in Tuesday's primary runoff.
Thompson had also led in balloting July 27, but did not have enough votes to avoid a runoff in the six-way primary. Thompson stressed his 25 years in the military and the experience he earned starting his veterinary business from scratch, saying those accomplishments made him the more-seasoned candidate. Thompson will face current Democratic U.S. Rep. Dan Boren in the Nov. 2 general election. Boren is seeking a fourth term in the 2nd District, which stretches from far northeast Oklahoma to the Red River border with Texas.