Mary Easley Sworn in as State Senator

State Representative Mary Easley is now Senator Mary Easley. The Tulsa Democrat was officially sworn in during a ceremony at the State Capitol on Monday. Friends and family members were present in the Senate Chamber as State Supreme Court Justice Marian Opala administered the oath of office.

Easley was elected to the State House of Representatives in 1996. She was elected to the Senate District 18 seat in a special election held last week. She replaces her son, Kevin Easley, who resigned from the Senate earlier this session to become Chief Executive Officer of the Grand River Dam Authority.

“I am already familiar with the bills and issues before the legislature as well as the needs of the northeastern part of Oklahoma. Education and economic growth have always been top priorities for me as I represented my constituents in the House of Representatives. The fact is by improving education we will also improve our economy. That will continue to be my focus as a member of the State Senate,” said Easley.

Senator President Pro Tempore Cal Hobson welcomed Mary Easley to the Chamber and said he looked forward to working with the senator.

“Although Senator Easley is our newest member, she brings with her several years of legislative experience. Her 27 years as a classroom teacher have also given her special insight into education issues. I know she will be a valuable member of the State Senate,” Hobson said.

Guests at the ceremony included Senator Easley’s husband, Truman, her sons Michael and former State Senator Kevin Easley, her daughter Lisa and husband Steve Gage and grandson Tristan. Other guests included supporters from Wagoner, including Sam Homan, Vernon Sullivan, Jim King, District Attorney Richard Grey, and Don Winkle.