The race for U.S. Congress in Oklahoma's 2nd Congressional District became a two-man race Sunday following the unexpected death of Democratic nominee Earl Everett.
According to a report by KJRH-TV in Tulsa, the 81-year-old Everett died Sunday (Nov. 2) after being involved in a car accident in the city of Fort Gibson on Friday (Oct. 31).
A report by the Associated Press said Everett, who had run unsuccessfully for the Democratic nomination for the seat in 2012, was broadsided while crossing U.S. Highway 62 in Fort Gibson on Friday. He was airlifted from the scene in critical condition and died Sunday at a Tulsa hospital.
In a statement, Oklahoma Democratic Party Chairman Wallace Collins called Everett's death "tragic and unexpected.”
“The passing of Earl Everett is tragic and unexpected. We honor the memory of Mr. Everett, a Korean War Veteran, and his desire to represent the people of Eastern Oklahoma. Anyone that is willing to put their name on a ballot in order to be voted on by their peers as a public servant deserve our admiration and respect. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family during this difficult time.”
U.S. Rep. Markwayne Mullin, R-Westville, released the following statement Monday (Nov. 3) after the news of his opponent's death was announced.
"My family and our entire team extend our deepest condolences to the family and friends of Earl Everett. We pray for God's grace and comfort for them during this time and in the coming weeks.”
Mullin will face Independent candidate Jon Douthitt of Claremore in Tuesday's (Nov. 4) general election, though Everett's name will still appear on the ballot.
The 2nd Congressional District of Oklahoma follows the border with Arkansas from the Red River to Kansas and includes Durant, Muskogee, Sallisaw and the eastern Tulsa suburbs.