Republican Jake Merrick, of Yukon, was sworn into the Oklahoma Senate on Wednesday.
Oklahoma Supreme Court Chief Justice Richard Darby administered Merrick s oath of office in the Senate chamber as the freshman senator s family and friends looked on from the gallery.
“I’m so full of thanks and humbled to be elected to this position to serve, not only District 22, but the state of Oklahoma so honored and humbled to be part of this group here of men and women I believe all of whom lead with integrity, lead with conviction, Merrick said in a statement.
Merrick is a licensed minister and a former personal trainer who co-owns a construction company.
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“I’m glad to keep doing the work for kids, Lewis said. I’m literally just ready to start moving this district forward again.
Henry’s loss means he will leave the school board. The Oklahoma City attorney has represented the northernmost corner of the school district since 2017 but was prohibited from running for re-election to his seat and for board chairperson in the same election cycle.
Henry could not be reached for comment Tuesday night.
Lewis, an occupational therapist, took a familiar path to her election victory. She won the 2017 general election for board chairperson after trailing her opponent in the primary.
Merrick, 39, is a licensed minister and a former personal trainer who co-owns a construction company.
He describes himself as a constitutional conservative who aims to bring his religious worldview to the Oklahoma state Capitol.
This is Merrick s first successful foray into politics. He unsuccessfully sought the GOP nomination in Oklahoma s 5th Congressional District last year.
Merrick will not be sworn into office until after the State Election Board certifies the election results. The soonest he could be sworn in is April 14, according to a spokesman for Senate Pro Tem Greg Treat.
Once sworn in, Merrick will be the 39th Republican out of 48 members of the Senate. Democrats hold a nine-seat minority in the chamber.