Hern vs Gilpin: Next Oklahoma Congressman May Be Sworn in Early

The next U.S. representative from Oklahoma’s First district is expected to start the job earlier than normal– possibly as soon as next week. Typically, the winners of November elections assume their new positions in early January. But the position has been vacant for several months and Governor Mary Fallin is reportedly eager to see it filled.

The First Congressional District of Oklahoma has not had a representative on Capitol Hill since April 2018. The previous congressman, Jim Bridenstine, was selected by the Trump administration to lead NASA. The Senate confirmed his nomination on April 19, 2018.

According to Fox affiliate KOKI-TV in Tulsa, the governor’s office will likely allow the winner of the November 6 race to finish the rest of Bridenstine’s term.

The Associated Press called the race for Republican candidate Kevin Hern. He defeated Democrat Tim Gilpin with about 59 percent of the vote.

The district has been held by Republicans since 1986, according to Tulsa World.

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