The Senate finishes up their work to adjourn their session at the state Capitol in Oklahoma City. [Photo by Chris Landsberger, The Oklahoman archives]

With just 12 percent of the Legislature safe in their seats without an opponent this year, the primary and general elections have a chance to shake things up at the Oklahoma Capitol.

Political parties will select their preferred candidates in the primary election on June 26. Five months later, the Nov. 6 general election will finally settle deep questions about how voters judge the budget crisis and teacher walkout.

It's relatively common for lawmakers to go unopposed in their elections. However, research shows fewer of them, 19, will survive without a race this cycle compared to two years ago when 28 legislators coasted through without opponents. Incumbent lawmakers have a clear advantage and usually win reelection, however.

The primary and general elections will give voters a chance to punish or reward lawmakers based on how they handled two of the biggest political questions in recent years, the budget crisis and ensuing teacher walkout. Problems with the budget and the Legislature's ability to fund state agencies have largely been resolved with the most recent session, where negotiators were able to use newly adopted revenue streams and an improving economy to halt statewide budget cuts.