LAWTON – Randy Warren on Tuesday overpowered challenger Doug Wells once again to win his second consecutive term as the city councilman for Ward 8 in west Lawton.
Warren received 157 votes (57.72%) to 115 votes (42.28%) for Wells. Of the 272 ballots counted in the Aug. 25 election, 113 were absentee votes, 3 were cast by early voters, and 156 were cast on Election Day.
Warren, an Eisenhower High School graduate, owns and operates Warren Imports, a family business of automotive repair and parts. He previously served multiple terms on the Lawton City Council.
Wells, a retired director of the city’s Information Services Division, previously served as a councilman when he defeated Warren in 2008. In turn, Warren ousted Wells in 2017.
Two other council members were re-elected this year without opposition.
Ward 6 Councilman Sean Fortenbaugh filed unopposed for a second three-year term.
Ward 7 Councilwoman Onreka Johnson initially drew a challenger in her bid for a second term; however, her opponent, Cindy Edgar, dropped out on June 18, the day after the filing period closed. Ms. Edgar’s Facebook page indicates she is a Wiccan and says she moved to Lawton on July 20, 2019.
The three council members will receive the oath of office on Jan. 12.
Lawton has eight City Council members who are paid $5,000 per year, and a mayor whose compensation is $15,000 per year.