Thomas wins district attorney race; first elected female

For the first time, Logan and Payne counties will see an elected female serve as their district attorney. Laura Austin Thomas was elected to the District 9 position on Tuesday.

Thomas told the Stillwater News Press at her watch party in Stillwater, “it’s not that I’m a woman, but I’m the most qualified.”

Thomas (R-Stillwater) needed 51 percent of the vote to win the primary and she did just that by collecting 4,866 votes or 52. 6 percent in the 53 total precincts.

Challengers Jack Bowyer was next at 2,413 votes (26.1%) followed by Dennis McGrath’s 1,977 votes (21.4%).

The results will be certified by the state on Friday.

Of the 22 precincts in Logan County, Thomas secured just over 57.1 percent of the votes. In Payne County, she piled up 48.7 percent of the votes.

The seat came open for the first time in 36 years without an incumbent in the running. Current district attorney Tom Lee, who was appointed, announced in December he was not seeking re-election and had plans of retiring.

Thomas has been a prosecutor for 30 years, including 27 in Logan and Payne counties. She began as an Assistant District Attorney in Logan County prosecuting criminal, juvenile deprived and delinquent cases.

“Looking out for our communities and public safety is most important to me,” Thomas said.  “I’ve lived and worked in both Payne and Logan Counties, and it’s been an honor to serve our people these past 27 years.”