Three candidates compete for seat on Oklahoma Corporation Commission
Oklahoma voters will decide on a new corporation commissioner to fill the shoes of longtime Commissioner Bob Anthony.
Three candidates are on the Nov. 5 general election ballot: Republican Brian Bingman, 70; Democrat Harold Spradling, 89; and Libertarian Chad Williams, 43.
Bingman served as secretary of state until he resigned in August 2023 to campaign for a commission seat. He secured his spot in the general election race after winning his party's primary election in June. He served as president pro tempore of the state Senate from 2011 to 2016.
Spradling is a licensed professional counselor and alcohol and drug counselor. He has worked as a psychiatric social worker and served as a school counselor at three different schools, according to his website. This is his fourth time running for the Corporation Commission, according to the State Election Board.
Williams is a former chairman of the Libertarian party in Oklahoma and was a city council member in Choctaw from 2019 to 2023.
They are vying for one of three seats on the influential Corporation Commission, which is one of the busiest state agencies in Oklahoma, regulating public utilities, oil, gas and other energy sources, commercial transportation and petroleum storage tanks. The Corporation Commission is most known for leading electric and gas rates and balancing those interests between consumers, companies and regulations.
Anthony, who has served six terms since 1988, is the longest-serving commissioner. After Oklahoma approved term limits, his final term will end this year. He is currently serving as vice chairman.
Commissioner Kim David is the chair and has served since January 2023. Commissioner Todd Hiett has served since 2014 and stepped down as chair in August after he was accused of sexual harassment at a conference in Minnesota.
More: Oklahoma Supreme Court asked to ban Corporation Commissioner Todd Hiett from votes
This article originally appeared on Oklahoman: Oklahoma elections: Meet candidates for Corporation Commission seat
