Mary Fallin Elected As First Female Governor Of Oklahoma

News9.com

OKLAHOMA CITY – Republican Mary Fallin has been named Oklahoma's first female governor.

With 31 percent of precincts reporting, Fallin defeated Democratic candidate Jari Askins by 57.8 percent.

Askins gave her concession speech in front of a crowd of her constituents Tuesday at about 9:15 p.m.

Fallin was the first woman, and first Republican, ever elected Oklahoma lieutenant governor, a post she held for 12 years before becoming just the second female member of Congress from Oklahoma.

"We are currently facing a recession, a budget crisis and unprecedented federal intervention that is as intrusive as it is harmful," said Fallin. "As governor, I will focus like a laser beam on job creation and economic development. I'll cut wasteful spending out of the budget and make our state government more efficient. And, of course, I'll stand up to Washington and fight for our rights. I'm confident that we have a bright future ahead of us, and I'm ready to lead us in the right direction."

For the first time in state history Republicans have control of the governor's office and both branches of the Legislature. The GOP took control of the House in 2004 and the Senate in 2008.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.