The Checotah Lions Club will host a candidates’ forum for the Oklahoma State Senate District 8 seat on Thursday, Feb. 13 at noon at the Methodist Mission Hall located at 419 W. Gentry Ave.

A complimentary lunch will be served and the community is encouraged to come hear from candidates who wish to represent the district and advocate for their communities in the state legislature.

The upcoming special election will be a pivotal race for residents from McIntosh, Okmulgee, Okfuskee and Hughes counties. The vacancy left by Senator Roger Thompson’s resignation on Nov. 1, 2024, has left some big shoes to fill, but the diverse group of candidates also brings their unique perspectives and priorities to the table.

Candidates include the following: Republicans Hoss Durrett from Checotah Jeff Ramsey from Paden David Nelson from Morris Bryan Logan from Paden Steven Baldridge from Okmulgee Democrat Nathan Brewer from Henryetta Independent-Steve Sanford from Henryetta The general election is set for May 13 with the primary scheduled for March 4. However, a potential runoff primary will be held on April 1 if no candidate in a party receives a majority of votes.

The Lions hope that engaging each candidate will help to provide insight into the vision of what the future holds for District 8.