...
By Joe Edwards
Reporter
0
Share
Newsweek is a Trust Project member
See more of our trusted coverage when you search.Prefer Newsweek on Googleto see more of our trusted coverage when you search.
Republican Dillon Travis won a special election Tuesday to represent Oklahoma House District 35, but the final results showed Democrats making significant inroads in one of the nation's reddest states.
Why It Matters
Travis defeated Democrat Luke Kruse 64.2 percent to 35.8 percent, according to unofficial results. While the outcome was not in doubt—HD‑35 voted for President Donald Trump by roughly 58 points in the 2024 presidential election—the margin represented an estimated 30‑point Democratic overperformance, underscoring broader questions about Republican strength in heavily rural districts amid a string of closely watched special elections.
Read More on News
Oklahoma-based NonDoc Media noted that despite losing the race, Kruse produced the Democratic Party’s best district showing in 18 years.
...
What To Know
With all 26 precincts reporting, Travis had 2,907 votes to Kruse's 1,624 and carried all five counties in the district while Kruse won five precincts in Noble and Payne counties, according to The Stillwegian.
County results reported by the outlet showed Travis leading in Creek County 74.26 percent to 25.74 percent, Noble County 57.47 percent to 42.53 percent, Osage County 63.24 percent to 36.76 percent, Pawnee County 67.58 percent to 32.42 percent and Payne County 53.85 percent to 46.15 percent.
Turnout reached 4,531 voters, a 133.7 percent increase from the 1,938 voters who participated in the January 13 Republican runoff between Travis and former Pawnee County Sheriff Mike Waters, The Stillwegian reported.
Per NonDoc, House District 35 centers on Pawnee County but includes parts of Osage, Creek, Payne and Noble counties, spanning communities such as Cleveland, Hominy, Prue, Oilton, Lawrence Creek, Drumright, Glencoe, Morrison and Red Rock, and covering parts of the Osage Nation, the Pawnee Nation and the Otoe‑Missouria Tribe of Indians.
The Stillwegian said Kruse raised more than $28,000 overall, including more than $6,000 late in the campaign, while Travis raised more than $84,000 with support from multiple Republican legislators.
What People Are Saying
Oklahoma Governor Kevin Stitt, in a social media statement on Wednesday: “Dillon brings a strong commitment to conservative principles and serving his community, and I look forward to working together to keep Oklahoma moving forward.”
What Happens Next
Travis will succeed former Republican Ty Burns, who resigned last year after pleading guilty to domestic abuse and assault charges.
Election results remain unofficial until certified by the Oklahoma State Election Board, as noted by NonDoc and The Stillwegian.
Update 2/11/26, 10:50 a.m. ET: This article was updated with additional information.
In a polarized era, the center is dismissed as bland. At Newsweek, ours is different: The Courageous Center—it's not "both sides," it's sharp, challenging and alive with ideas. We follow facts, not factions. If that sounds like the kind of journalism you want to see thrive, we need you.
When you become a Newsweek Member, you support a mission to keep the center strong and vibrant. Members enjoy: Ad-free browsing, exclusive content and editor conversations. Help keep the center courageous. Join today.
View 0 Comments
Submit Correction
View Editorial & AI Guidelines