Rep. Rick West, Rep. Josh Cockroft announce they will not seek re-election
By Jordan Redman
Staff Writer
Rep. Rick West is the latest Republican to announce he will not seek re-election for the next legislative session.
“Serving the great people of House District 3 has been an incredible honor and is something I will cherish forever,” said West, R-Heavener. “I have given this job every single ounce of energy within me, I have learned much more than I could’ve imagined. The people of southeastern Oklahoma entrusted me with a huge responsibility, and I am forever grateful for their confidence in me.
“Ultimately, I could not in good conscience continue to serve as a state representative. I fundamentally disagree with the direction the Republican caucus is headed inside the Capitol, and I have been disappointed in decisions that were made that I believe are detrimental to our state,” West said.
Yesterday, State Rep. Josh Cockroft announced this will be his last legislative session.
“I want to thank the great people of House District 27 for putting their trust in me over the last eight years; it has been the honor of a lifetime to be your representative,” said Cockroft, R-Wanette. “I have spent a great deal of time praying about this decision, and after conversations with many friends, mentors, and my family I am announcing today that I will not seek re-election as your state representative.”
“Public service has given me so many opportunities to learn, serve and fight to place our state on a better path. I have poured everything into this job since I was first elected, and I am ready to focus on my beautiful family who have sacrificed even more than I have during my tenure,” Cockroft said. “I will forever be grateful for the opportunity to be a voice of common-sense and straightforward governing through integrity, accessibility and a positive vision for our great state. It has truly been an honor to serve the people of District 27.”
The window to file candidacy opened at 8 a.m. on Wednesday.
The Gayly. April 12, 2018. 1:31 p.m. CST.