Chip Carter Wins Republican Bid For Rep. David Dank's Seat

The Republican nominee for the State Representative District 85 seat has been decided.

Chip Carter, who received 37 percent of the vote, won the nomination for the Republican party for the seat held by state Rep. David Dank.

A runoff is not needed in this election, because it was a special legislative election, Oklahoma State Election Board spokesman Bryan Dean said.

Dank passed away unexpectedly in April after suffering a heart attack. District 85’s seat has been held by Dank or his wife for more than 20 years.

Chip Carter spent the first 10 years of his career working in conservative politics and before joining the business world. He says that gives him the advantage. 

“My understanding and experience of working within the legislative process and how to make things happen in politics and that’s important,” said Carter when asked what sets him apart from the other candidates. 

“You want to be able to go in and make a difference. The other is my experience and background in business. I work with businessmen all the time and how to communicate their issues.”

The winner of the runoff will face sole Democrat candidate Cyndi Munson in September.