By Mindy Ragan Wood
Staff Writer
Kingfisher County voters will see some changes following Tuesday’s election.
Incumbent District Judge Paul Woodward isn’t one of those changes. He will retain his seat after winning 65.7 percent of the vote against attorney Russell Singleton’s 34.9 percent.
“I appreciate that we ran a clean race,” Woodward said. “I think we both showed you don’t have to bring all the negative into it and I appreciate that.”
The judge said he is humbled by the win.
“It’s humbling because you have all these people in the four counties that put their trust in you to give them a place where they can seek justice. That’s pretty humbling if you think about it. It makes you want to do your job well,” Woodward.
Singleton said he might consider seeking public office again.
“I’ve called and congratulated him (Woodward) on a good clean race. I’ll continue practicing law and I thank all my supporters for all the diligent hard work they gave me in this race,” he said.
Wherever there were signs for Lance Schneiter, there were signs for Molly Neuman who both worked hard for the Associate District Judge seat vacated by Judge Robert E. Davis who retired at the end of his term in January.
Schneiter dominated with 56.6 of the votes to Neuman’s 43.3 percent.
“We’re very excited for the victory,” Schneiter said. “A lot of people put their time, money and resources into this campaign and I’m extremely grateful for their support.”
Schneiter gave credit to his opponent who didn’t hand him the race.
“Molly Neuman ran a hard race and she has my respect,” he said. “I think both of us acted ethically and professionally.”
He hopes the principles that have governed his life will be evident in his courtroom.
“I’ll try to show the county I’m able to live up to principles I live every day and set an example for the community with integrity, fairness, honesty, impartiality and upholding the rule of law,” he said.
Neuman did not return a call for comment.
Incumbent District Judge Dennis Hladik will hold onto his Office 3 seat after gaining 67.2 percent of the votes to Eric Edwards 32.7 percent. Neither Hladik or Edwards returned a call for comment.
The state Senate District 20 seat was won by Republican Chuck Hall who defeated Democrat Heady Coleman. Hall took 70 percent of the vote over Coleman’s 30 percent.
“I’m thankful to have the opportunity to serve my district,” Coleman said. “I am thrilled for how Hall and were able to run a clean race. Big time proud of our district and everyone who came out and voted.”
Coleman said he will continue to serve his community any way he can at the Capitol.
“I’m going to stay involved,” he said.
Hall did not return a call for comment.
