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Owasso Today
By the People, for the People
Seven Republicans vie for open Congressional seat
Owasso businessman and Tulsa resident join crowded GOP primary for 1st District
Apr. 3, 2026 at 9:37pm
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The crowded Republican primary for Oklahoma's 1st Congressional District reflects the intense competition and partisan divides shaping the 2026 midterm elections.Owasso TodayThe race to replace incumbent Republican Kevin Hern in Oklahoma's 1st Congressional District has become a crowded Republican primary, with two more candidates - Owasso businessman Nathan Butterfield and Tulsa resident Courtney Gill - joining the field. This brings the total number of GOP contenders to seven, all vying for the nomination after Hern decided to run for the U.S. Senate.
Why it matters
The 1st Congressional District, which covers much of northeastern Oklahoma including Tulsa, is considered a safe Republican seat. The winner of the GOP primary will be heavily favored to win the general election, making this an important race that will shape the balance of power in the U.S. House of Representatives.
The details
Butterfield and Gill are the latest to join a Republican primary that already includes former Tulsa County Commissioner John Smaligo, state Rep. Sheila Dills, Tulsa City Councilor Jeannie Cue, Tulsa businessman Kevin Hern, and former Tulsa County GOP chair Michael Yarbrough. The crowded field reflects the intense interest in the open seat, as well as the continued influence of former President Trump's brand of populist conservatism within the Republican Party.
- Incumbent Kevin Hern announced his decision to run for U.S. Senate in early 2026, creating the vacancy.
- The Republican primary election is scheduled for June 2026.
The players
Nathan Butterfield
An Owasso businessman who has joined the crowded Republican primary for the 1st Congressional District.
Courtney Gill
A Tulsa resident who has also entered the Republican primary for the 1st Congressional District.
Kevin Hern
The incumbent Republican Congressman for the 1st District, who has decided to run for the U.S. Senate instead of seeking re-election.
What they’re saying
“I'm running because Oklahoma families deserve a strong conservative voice in Congress who will fight for our values and put America first.”
— Nathan Butterfield, Owasso businessman
“As a political outsider, I'll bring a fresh perspective and commitment to common-sense solutions to the challenges facing our district and our country.”
— Courtney Gill, Tulsa resident
What’s next
The Republican primary election is scheduled for June 2026, with the winner expected to cruise to victory in the general election in the heavily Republican district.
The takeaway
The crowded Republican field for the open 1st Congressional District seat reflects the intense interest and competition within the party, as well as the continued influence of Trumpism. The eventual nominee will play a key role in shaping the balance of power in the U.S. House of Representatives.
