A Fort Gibson business owner became the first Republican to announce his candidacy for House District 14 for this year’s election.

Arthur Hulbert declared his intention to run for state Rep. George Faught’s legislative seat Thursday night during the Muskogee County Republicans annual Lincoln-Reagan Dinner.

Faught, a Muskogee Republican, is vying for his party’s nomination in the 2nd Congressional District race. That post is being vacated by U.S. Rep. Dan Boren, D-Muskogee, when his fourth term expires later this year.

Hulbert told the spirited crowd he learned the value of hard work and discipline from his farm upbringing.

“I feel like I have the practical experience,” Hulbert said. “Eastern Oklahoma is a great place to live and a great place to build business.”

Hulbert has a background in health care and a small business background. He owns Hulbert Therapy Services, Access 2 Healthcare Solutions and a Cherry Berry frozen yogurt store in McAlester.

“This is an opportunity to use some of the skills I learned in the private sector,” Hulbert said. “We need someone with character and integrity and with skills outside of politics.”

While Hulbert is the first Republican to seek a bid for the House District 14 seat, three Democrats have come forward. Bobby Jefferson, a Muskogee High School educator and coach; Jerry Rains, a local businessman; and Jack Reavis, a Muskogee High School teacher and coach, announced in December they would seek the Democratic bid.

Lt. Gov. Todd Lamb was the keynote speaker for the dinner, in which five of the six candidates for the 2nd Congressional District race spoke.

“Oklahoma is on the cusp of a renaissance,” Lamb said. “Now is the time to be engaged in Oklahoma’s economy. Our party will have this seat again.”

Faught, Markwayne Mullin, Wayne Pettigrew, Dustin Rowe, Dwayne Thompson and Dakota Wood all are seeking the Republican nod. Pettigrew was not in attendance Thursday night.

The five who attended were given a chance to speak. All candidates agreed “America is at a pivotal point in its history.”

Rob Wallace and Wayne Herriman are running for the 2nd Congressional District seat on the Democratic ticket.

The official filing period for legislative races is April 13 through 17. The party primaries are scheduled for June 26.



Reach Mike Carrels at (918) 684-2922 or mcarrels @muskogeephoenix.com.