After 38 years with the Pontotoc County Sheriff’s Office, John Christian has made the announcement he will not seek re-election. Christian has served the past 15 years as County Sheriff.

Elected in 2008, he took over the sheriff’s duties in January of 2009. His last day in office will be January 1, 2025.

He stated the decision to retire was a difficult one, “It goes without saying that this has been one of the most difficult decisions I have ever had to make in my career. Words cannot express how grateful I am for all the support and encouragement I have received from the citizens of Pontotoc County.”

Two men have filed for the position being vacated by Christian and will face off in the November 5th General Election.

Arnold Scott (Republican) has been with the Sheriff’s Office for 28 years and is the current Under-Sheriff.

Jason Potter (Democrat) is a former Ada police officer, retiring in 2022 as a captain detective after 26 years with the department.

Retaining their County positions, running unopposed, were Lacee Flanary, Pontotoc County Court Clerk; Tammy Brown, County Clerk; and Danny Davis, County Commissioner District 2.

In Hughes County the race for County Sheriff will be between Trevor Teague and Daniel Nowlin. Current Sheriff Marsha Maxwell has chosen not to run. All other county officers ran unopposed. Continuing as Court Clerk will be Ashley Sanford, County Clerk is Angela Brooks and State Rep will remain David Smith.

Filing for the State Senate from District 13 were incumbent Greg McCortney, Jonathan Wingard and Rob Crowley, and for the State House of Representatives seat in District 25 are incumbent Ronnie Johns and Robert Birch.

Since all candidates for the State offices are Republican, they will be on the June 18th Primary Election ballot.

U.S. Representative, District 4, Tom Cole has filed for re-election and will face a field of four Republican challengers. On the June 18th Primary ballot will be Andrew Hayes of Lawton, Paul L. Bonar of Stonewall, Nick Hankins of Moore, and Rick Whitebear Harris, Norman. Democrats will choose between Mary Brannan of Washington and Kody Macaulay of Moore.

If no candidates receives the majority of votes (50%) in June the top two will face a runoff election in August. The successful Republican and Democrat candidate will face Independent candidate James Stacy, Burneyville, in November.