Filing for the 2026 election cycle has closed, leaving McIntosh County voters with a mix of uncontested races and a handful of competitive contests.

Several county officials filed for re-election without opposition and will retain their seats. County Assessor Jennifer Ballard and County Treasurer Kimberly Smelser were both unopposed and will be considered elected.

McIntosh County Associate District Judge Brendon Bridges also filed without opposition and will continue to serve the people of McIntosh County.

Neil Hays, who represents House District 13 and serves portions of McIntosh County, also drew no opposition during the April 1–3 candidate filing period and will be re-elected without opposition. Hays, a Republican from Checotah, has served in the Oklahoma House since 2022 and is known for his focus on tax cuts, public safety, education reform and more.

Rep. Tim Turner (RKinta), who represents House District 15 and serves portions of Mc-Intosh County, drew no opposition during the filing period and will be re-elected without opposition. First elected in 2024, Turner has been active in supporting rural economic development and community initiatives across the district, and will continue his service in the Oklahoma House for another term.

Commissioner races draw interest

The most competitive local races will be for County Commissioner Districts 1 and 3, both of which will be decided during the June 16 primary election. In District 3, four Republicans have filed:

• Bobby Ziegler

• Jaymn Burdine

• Chip Collins

• Gunner Ford No Democrat filed in the race, meaning the Republican primary winner is expected to secure the seat.

In District 1, two Republicans and one Democrat filed:

• Loyal Dean Taylor, Democrat

• Jeff Coleman, Republican

• Jeff Boyd, Republican The Republican primary will determine which candidate advances to face Taylor in the general election.

County commissioners oversee infrastructure, county budgets and roads, making the District 1 and 3 races significant local contests on the ballot.

Senate race set

McIntosh County voters will also weigh in on Oklahoma Senate District 8, which includes portions of Okmulgee, Okfuskee, Creek, McIntosh and Muskogee counties.

Sen. Bryan Logan, R-Paden, is seeking his first full term after winning a 2025 special election. Logan did not draw a Republican primary challenger.

He will face Nathan Brewer, a Democrat, in the general election. Brewer also challenged Logan in the 2025 special election.

Logan won that race with 61.62 percent of the vote.

While several county races were uncontested, the commissioner contests and Senate race will give voters decisions to make this election cycle.

The Primary Election will be held June 16, with a runoff scheduled for Aug. 25 if needed. The General Election is set for Nov. 3.