The SCF cites a number of reports on Lankford’s voting history. Lankford announces Senate bid

Oklahoma Rep. James Lankford announced Monday he will seek to fill Sen. Tom Coburn’s Senate seat.

“I am willing to wage a hard-fought campaign for the opportunity to continue Dr. Coburn’s conservative legacy,” Lankford said in a statement.


The Republican congressman also took a swipe at Senate Democrats.

“The Senate is the most contentious body in our government today. Harry Reid and the Senate Democrats continue to divide America for political gain,” Lankford said.

Lankford praised Coburn for his time in the Senate and called the senator a friend and example of public service.

The Senate Conservatives Fund had already announced Monday that it will not back Lankford.

“We won’t support Congressman Lankford’s bid for the Senate because of his past votes to increase the debt limit, raise taxes, and fund Obamacare,” said SCF Executive Director Matt Hoskins in a statement released Monday.

“We have reviewed his record and it’s clear that conservatives cannot count on him to fight for their principles,” he continued.

The SCF cites a number of reports on Lankford’s voting history including raising the debt limit, funding Obamacare and supporting the Ryan-Murray budget agreement.

GOP Rep. Tom Cole said Sunday that he will not seek to fill Coburn’s seat.

On Friday, Gov. Mary Fallin announced the special election to fill Coburn’s seat will be held on Oklahoma’s regular election days this year: a primary on June 24, runoff election, necessary, on Aug. 26, and the general election on Nov. 4.

The filing deadline is April 11.