By Barbara Hoberock, Oklahoma Voice
OKLAHOMA CITY – After the dust settled on legislative primary races, Senate Republicans celebrated Wednesday with the ouster of a controversial state senator from Elgin and the successful defense of some incumbents.
Sen. Dusty Deevers, R-Elgin, came in third in Tuesday’s three-way primary, effectively ending his bid for reelection.
Deevers, a pastor, was an outspoken member of the Freedom Caucus, which frequently was at odds with Senate leadership. He routinely quoted scripture and talked about morality during Senate debate.
“Dusty Deevers came to the state Capitol after winning a special election, and he came here to represent his church, and he did not represent his district, and he paid the price last night,” said Senate President Pro Tem Lonnie Paxton, R-Tuttle.
Deevers declined an interview request Wednesday, but referred a reporter to a post he made on social media about the outcome.
Deevers said he believes life should be protected beginning at conception. He said he challenged runaway spending and exposed lobbyists’ influence.
“Wealthy outside groups spend extraordinary sums to influence the outcome and install candidates more aligned with their party,” Deevers said.
He said he is not bitter and looks forward to the remainder of his term.
“I trust the Lord of glory and remain committed to truth and righteousness, liberty, and the good of the people, wherever God places me next,” Deevers said.
Republican Jean Hausheer, who finished first in the primary, declined to answer questions, but issued a statement that said the community was tired of drama and political games.
Curtis Erwin, a pastor who finished second, said the vote was probably both for he and Hausheer, but also included votes against the incumbent.
“I think, you know, being part of the Freedom Caucus, I think people seeing that as standing for that group of people, and instead of standing for southwest Oklahoma,” Erwin said.
Paxton said the Freedom Caucus unsuccessfully challenged seven Republican incumbent senators.
“Voters were satisfied that the people they sent up here four years ago were still doing a great job and wanted to send them back,” Paxton said.
Deevers was the only incumbent legislator to lose Tuesday night, though several others will face runoff races on Aug. 25.
Sen. Jack Stewart, R-Yukon, faces a primary runoff with Tyler Herring. The winner faces Democrat Meredith McGinnis in the general election.
Sen. Dana Prieto, R-Tulsa, faces challenger Kent Taylor after coming in first in a four-way primary and garnering 29.42% of the vote. The winner faces Democrat Amy Hossain.
On the House side, Rep. David Smith, R-Arpelar, faces a runoff with Pamela Gordon after garnering 47.4% in the three-way race.
The general election is Nov. 3.
