Harvey Sparks (R)

Education: B.A. Family Psychology, Oklahoma Baptist University; Master of Divinity, Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary

Hometown: Oklahoma City, OK

What is your reason for running? "I am running because of a profound sense of calling. As an aide to Congressman Jim Bridenstine, I experienced the dysfunction in Washington firsthand. When this congressional seat opened up, I felt compelled to try and be a part of the solution rather than being content to just sit back and complain. I believe that we need more citizen legislators who see public office as a means to serve rather than be served. I am running because I am willing to make tough choices and take hard votes in order to get our country headed back in the right direction. I am also running because I believe in and want to promote traditional values like life, family, traditional marriage, personal responsibility and the nobility of work."

Why should Oklahomans vote for you? "I believe in the truth that the real test of greatness is a willingness to serve. I am an ordained Baptist minister and have spent most of my career ministering in churches and on the mission field in southern Africa. I have given my life to serving others and I see this as another opportunity to continue doing so. I believe in term limits and am committed to serving only 3 terms because I always want to stay focused on my constituents rather than my own career. I believe in fiscal responsibility and am committed to voting against any budget, continuing resolution or debt limit increase that doesn't include a concrete plan to get us back to balance. I believe in the Fair Tax and am committed to working to abolish the IRS, repealing the 16th Amendment and implementing the Fair Tax."

What is your political experience? None