The 87-year-old Republican of Oklahoma, Jim Inhofe, is likely to announce his retirement, which will almost certainly result in a special election this fall. According to a source familiar with Senator Jim Inhofe’s plans, he is anticipated to announce his retirement in the days ahead, sparking a special election to replace him. He’s already announced his resignation.
Inhofe is likely to serve out the rest of this Congress before announcing his retirement on Monday. He’s been a leading Republican on the Senate Armed Services Committee for a long time. Source adds that GOP senators are expected to try to persuade him not to resign early. According to another GOP source, the announcement has been pushed out and might be made as early as Friday. The initial plan to reveal his intention in a video message was forestalled by numerous news reports regarding the issue, per report.
Inhofe was re-elected to a six-year term in 2020, but he has been missing more votes than normal recently, and his wife has been sick, he told reporters in December. In ruby-red Oklahoma, his decision to stand down will almost certainly ignite a competitive Republican race to follow him.
Although Inhofe is one of the Senate’s most conservative members, he has embraced deal-making prowess in two crucial policy areas: national security and infrastructure. He had a tight relationship with former Senator Barbara Boxer as the top Republican on the Environment and Public Works Committee. He has also worked well with Chair Jack Reed as the top Republican on the Armed Services Committee.
Before he makes his announcement, a number of persons are being considered as potential contenders for the soon-to-be-vacated position, such as Oklahoma Gov. Kevin Stitt, ex Oklahoma House Speaker T.W. Shannon, and former U.S. Attorney Trent Shore. Representatives Kevin Hern and Markwayne Mullin are also expected to run.