One of the more interesting General Election county contests in Southeast Oklahoma resulted in an overwhelming victory for Republican Bruce Shirey over his cousin, Democrat Steve McKee, in the sheriff's race in McCurtain County
With all votes counted, Shirey emerged victorious, securing 73 percent of the vote to McKee's 27 percent.
The election of Shirey followed the primary defeat of controversial Undersheriff Kevin Clardy, who faced national outrage in 2023 after leaked recordings allegedly captured him and other officials making racist and violent comments, including discussions about killing a journalist and lynching people.
Despite calls for resignation from Gov. Kevin Stitt, Clardy refused to step down.
McCurtain County, known for its popular tourist destinations like Beavers Bend State Park and Hochatown, now looks to Shirey for new leadership.
