Shumate resigns from Senate

Sen. Jabar Shumate, D-Tulsa, issued the following statement on Wednesday announcing his decision to step down from his District 11 seat, effective January 6, 2015.

Most of my professional career has been dedicated to serving the people of north Tulsa in the Oklahoma Legislature. Its been an honor to represent the citizens of Senate District 11, and before that, the constituents of House District 73.

However, I was recently encouraged to pursue other opportunities that will allow me to continue to work to improve education and champion other issues I am passionate about.

I am proud to have served in the Oklahoma Legislature, and it has been a privilege to work with my fellow members. I want to express my thanks to our staff for their dedication and professionalism, and my gratitude to the citizens of Tulsa for allowing me to represent them. Sen. Jabar Shumate, D-Tulsa