Oklahoma voters in the 1st Congressional District chose Republican Mark Tedford as their new U.S. House representative on Election Day, November 5, 2026. Tedford captured just over 52% of the ballots cast, defeating Democrat John Croisant.
Background and candidates
The seat opened after incumbent Rep. Kevin Hern announced a campaign for the U.S. Senate, aiming to fill the vacancy left by Senator Markwayne Mullin, who was appointed by President Donald Trump to serve as secretary of Homeland Security.
President Trump publicly endorsed Tedford, praising his record and urging Oklahoma voters to support his candidacy. Tedford, a former member of the Oklahoma House of Representatives since 2022, advanced to the Republican primary runoff before becoming the party’s nominee when Jackson Lahmeyer withdrew from the race.
John Croisant, the Democratic challenger, has served on the Tulsa Public Schools Board of Education since 2020. He advanced to the general election after the Democratic primary was canceled, as he was the sole Democrat on the ballot.
Election results
Official tallies show Tedford receiving more than 52% of the vote, a clear majority in a district that has historically leaned Republican. Croisant garnered the remainder of the votes, but the margin was sufficient to avoid a runoff.
The result ensures that the 1st District will continue to be represented by a Republican voice in Washington, aligning with the broader state trend that favored the GOP in most federal races this cycle.
Implications for Oklahoma
Tedford’s victory maintains the Republican hold on Oklahoma’s congressional delegation, supporting the administration’s priorities on issues such as border security, energy policy, and limited government. His experience in the state legislature is expected to help him navigate federal processes and advocate for the district’s agricultural and energy interests.
Local leaders and community members expressed optimism that Tedford will bring a strong, values‑based perspective to Capitol Hill, emphasizing family, faith, and individual liberty—principles that resonate deeply with many Oklahomans.
What’s next
Tedford will be sworn in with the new Congress in January 2027. He has indicated plans to focus on securing federal resources for infrastructure projects in his district, supporting pro‑business legislation, and defending constitutional freedoms.
Voters and observers will watch closely how the new representative aligns with President Trump’s agenda and how he addresses the concerns of his constituents in the coming term.
Original reporting: Oklahoma City News Feed (HLL/CB) — read the source article.
