Lowe resigns as state representative as he prepares to become Oklahoma County commissioner
Fresh off his election as an Oklahoma County commissioner, state Rep. Jason Lowe, D-Oklahoma City, resigned Monday afternoon from the state Legislature, opening up a third seat in the 101-member House of Representatives.
An attorney, the 51-year-old Lowe had served since November 2016 as a state legislator. He served in the House Democratic Caucus and as a chairman of the Oklahoma Legislative Black Caucus. He served on the House Criminal Judiciary and Public Safety committees, among others.
'It's been the honor of a lifetime to serve the great residents of House District 97,' Lowe said. 'I'm thankful to have been elected to serve you and to serve alongside my esteemed colleagues of the Legislature. I want to thank my colleagues for all of their support and insight they've given me over the years.'
Gov. Kevin Stitt immediately called a special election to replace Lowe, who represented parts of northeast Oklahoma City, Forest Park, Jones, Lake Aluma, Midwest City and Spencer. According to Stitt's executive proclamation, candidates can file for the election April 21-23, with a potential primary set for June 10. A potential primary runoff election could be held Aug. 12.
The date of the special general election depends on whether or not a primary or runoff are necessary. If the runoff isn't necessary, the general election will be Aug. 12. If the primary isn't necessary, the general election will be June 10. If both are necessary, the general election will be Sept. 9.
'I am grateful to have gotten to serve alongside Rep. Lowe during his time in the House of Representatives,' said House Minority Leader Cyndi Munson, also of Oklahoma City. 'He has worked hard to be a voice for his constituents in Oklahoma City and I trust he will continue to serve Oklahomans well in his new capacity as county commissioner. As a longtime advocate and vocal voice on criminal justice reform, I know he will take that same passion to Oklahoma County.'
Lowe's ceremonial swearing-in to the county commission will be April 21. He'll represent District 1, succeeding Carrie Blumert, who resigned in September to become the chief executive officer of the Mental Health Association Oklahoma. Lowe beat former state Rep. Anastasia Pittman and Midwest City Councilmember Sara Bana in a primary on Feb. 11 before downing independent Jed Green in the general election on April 1.
District 1 includes northeast Oklahoma City, Luther, Spencer, and parts of Midwest City and Del City.
'I've known Jason Lowe for years as a state representative, and I look forward to welcoming him as our newest county commissioner,' District 3 Commissioner Myles Davidson said. 'His heart for service and passion for our community are unmatched. I'm especially looking forward to working with him on one of the most important projects ahead — building a safer, more effective county jail. I'm proud to serve alongside him and excited for what we'll accomplish together for the people of Oklahoma County.'
In addition to Lowe's seat, two other seats in the 101-member Oklahoma House now are vacant, both in the Tulsa area. None of the three seats will be filled before the end of the current legislative session in late May.
This article originally appeared on Oklahoman: Rep. Jason Lowe resigns after being elected Oklahoma Co. commissioner
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Strimple sent her statement on the governor's position to all members of the governor's staff at 5:23 p.m., then to lawmakers at 5:53 p.m. On May 27, the next legislative day, Pillen, Arch and Evnen released their joint statement around 2:54 p.m., ending the possible constitutional dispute and returning to their respective corners, with no one taking blame for the situation until Pillen spoke with reporters this week. Pillen's office asserts that it searched texts and digital messages as part of the public records request but found no responsive records, including from Zoeller, who had pledged to text after delivering the veto letter in one of the emails. The Governor's Office provided no records reflecting communications with the legislative branch. None of the records indicate what happened to the bills after being delivered to Evnen's office. 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Steel, as well as Chief Justice Jeffrey Funke, have said that position isn't accurate and that increased spending has been in part due to legislation that came without new funds. The judicial branch leaders have said that the 'money' held in various funds is now exhausted. However, Pillen said he's not backing down and that the reductions will be considered in 2026. 'We have to be fiscally responsible,' Pillen said, 'and that's all we're asking.' — Zach Wendling SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE
