McCurtain County Sheriff's Election heads to run off

IDABEL, OK. (KTAL/KMSS)—Voters have decided on the Sheriff and District 2 Commissioner candidates in McCurtain County's upcoming November election.

Voters rejected incumbent sheriff Kevin Clardy in today’s Republican primary.

Clardy was part of a scandal last year involving alleged recordings of racist and violent comments.

Bruce Shirey came close to winning the Republican primary for McCurtain County Sheriff with 49% of the vote. Shirey is a former Oklahoma park ranger who wants to see more transparency in the sheriff’s office.

Jason Ricketts, who won 32% of the vote, will be his runoff opponent. Ricketts vows to improve transparency with a citizen oversight committee and implement the creation of a Family Justice Center to serve abuse victims.

The winner of the runoff will face the Democratic candidate, Steve McKee. Idabel sanitation manager Tony Hill has won the democratic primary for the county commissioner seat in District 2.

He will face current commissioner Tina Foshee Thomas, who won the seat in last year’s special election following Mark Jennings's resignation.

The runoff election is August 27th, and the general election is November 5th.