State Senator District 17 in Oklahoma State Senate District 17, Oklahoma

2026 Primary Election

• Steve King — Attorney / Judge Pro Tem in Bremerton, Washington

  Steve King has served as a judge pro tem for the Bremerton and Gig Harbor municipal courts for a combined 19 years. His legal practice has focused on representing individuals who historically lack a voice in the judicial system, including work as a public defender. This experience has taught him to listen objectively, be mindful of bias, and understand the daily operations of the court.

• Abby Thompson — County Commissioner in Shawnee, OK

  Abby Thompson, a conservative Republican, is running for the Oklahoma State Senate, District 17. She currently serves as Pottawatomie County Commissioner (District 3) and previously worked in banking and bookkeeping. Born in Stroud, she earned a degree in Organizational Leadership from the University of Central Oklahoma in 2017. A Pottawatomie County resident for 15 years, Thompson is married with a daughter and attends Victory Family Church in Shawnee. She advocates for promoting business, reducing regulations, family values, and addressing rising homeowners' insurance, rural healthcare costs, and K-12 education, aiming to bring common-sense conservative solutions to the State Capitol.

• Justin Freeland Wood — Tecumseh Public Schools Director of Community Engagement in Shawnee, OK

  Justin Freeland Wood, born December 23, 1989, in Shawnee, Oklahoma, is a Republican candidate for State Senator. He previously served in the Oklahoma House of Representatives for District 26 from 2012 to 2016 and as Principal Chief of the Sac and Fox Nation from 2019 to 2022. He also chaired the United Indian Nations of Oklahoma, Kansas, and Texas. Wood announced his candidacy for the Oklahoma State Senate District 17 seat, currently held by term-limited Shane Jett, with the special Republican primary scheduled for June 16, 2026. He currently works as the Tecumseh Public Schools Director of Community Engagement. He lives in Shawnee with his family.

• Randy Cornelius — Battalion Chief (Retired) in Oklahoma City, OK

  Randy Cornelius, a Republican, is running for Oklahoma State Senate District 17 in the special primary election on June 16, 2026. A lifelong Oklahoman, Cornelius served over 35 years as an Oklahoma City firefighter, rising to Battalion Chief. He seeks to bring his public service commitment to the legislature, focusing on conservative principles to lower costs, enhance public safety, and support communities. His priorities include increasing funding for emergency services, attracting high-wage jobs by cutting taxes and red tape, strengthening education through competitive teacher pay, and championing the agriculture and energy industries while protecting property rights. He also advocates for property tax relief and addressing home insurance costs.

• Ed Bolt — Incumbent Mayor in Shawnee, OK

  Ed Bolt is a community leader and small business owner seeking election to the Oklahoma State Senate for District 17 as a Democrat in 2026. A resident of Shawnee, he previously served as Mayor and City Commissioner, where he gained a reputation for focusing on solutions over politics. Bolt is committed to strengthening partnerships with tribal nations and respecting their sovereignty. He believes excessive partisanship slows Oklahoma’s progress and aims to foster cooperation to achieve meaningful results. Prior to public service, he worked as a Regional Sales Manager and owned a photography business. He attended the University of Oklahoma.