One half of the District 28 State Senate race is set.
Karen Rackley defeated Tony Wilson on Tuesday night in the Democratic primary.
Rackley won 61.29% of the vote, and was named the winner after polls closed at 7 p.m. on Tuesday night. Because she got more than half of the vote, she avoided a runoff.
Rackley will run against either Jeff McCommas and Grant Green, whoever wins the Republican runoff, in November.
Rackley spoke with the Guthrie News Leader earlier in the month. She shared why she ran for office.
“I am running for office because I feel that the communities in District 28 are underserved in many ways,” Rackley said. “Health care access in rural areas is limited and becoming more so. Mental health access is lacking. Ambulance services are stretched thin, even in communities with an ambulance service available there is often a long wait time. Teachers are leaving this state, not just for better pay, but because they do not feel supported or respected. Poor conditions of county roads and bridges and the lack of high speed internet in rural areas demonstrates a need for broad infrastructure improvements.”
Rackley also detailed the first thing they will do upon being elected.
“I plan to have an open door policy for my constituents,” Rackley said. “I want to know what District 28 's needs are. I want to have a relationship with my constituents. I feel I have a duty to represent my constituents, and not cater to special interests groups and lobbyists. I will not vote on a bill I have not read.”