Boles to face Eastman in Oklahoma Corporation Commission general election

OKLAHOMA CITY — Voters on Tuesday selected the Republican and Democratic nominees who will advance to the general election to be Oklahoma’s next corporation commissioner. 

Oklahoma voters will decide between Republican Brad Boles and Democrat Rhonda Eastman on Nov. 3. Commissioner Todd Hiett is term-limited, leaving his seat open.

The Corporation Commission is a three-person elected body that regulates various state industries from the public utilities to towing.

With about 55% of the vote, Boles, of Marlow, bested Justin Hornback in the Republican primary. 

Boles did not immediately return a call seeking comment.

Boles’ priorities for office include ensuring fair utility rates, strengthening energy independence and streamlining regulations, according to his campaign website. This year, Boles spearheaded the effort to reign in how new data centers will affect Oklahoma ratepayers’ energy bills. 

His public service also includes time as the mayor of Marlow, president of the Marlow Chamber of Commerce and a school board member, according to his website. 

Eastman garnered nearly 70% of the Tuesday primary vote, beating out Democratic candidates Donald Anthony Clytus and Harold Spradling. 

She said Tuesday she was “in awe” of how many Oklahomans supported her in this election.

“I am just overjoyed and overwhelmed,” Eastman said. “I never wanted to be in politics. I just want to do better by our state than what has been done.”

She said she will continue her work of traveling the state to talk with voters about the issues facing Oklahoma until the general election.

Eastman, 53, of Spiro, worked for the state for 16 years before returning to the private sector. 

She is concerned about rising utility costs, abandoned oil and gas wells, wastewater injection sites that pollute vegetation and water sources. 

Eastman is also concerned about tax breaks and lax regulations for data centers.