Echols takes Oklahoma attorney general’s race

OKLAHOMA CITY — Republican Jon Echols is set to be Oklahoma’s next attorney general.

Echols will succeed Attorney General Gentner Drummond who launched an unsuccessful bid for governor rather than seek a second term. 

He won the election over Democrat Nick Coffey. Echols said Coffey is a “good man” who ran a “valiant race.”

“This is just the end of our race, but this is the start of our mission,” Echols said during his victory speech at the Skirvin Hotel in Oklahoma City. “We campaigned on a simple platform, and that is that we are going to create: a safer, freer, stronger Oklahoma.”

He said as the next attorney general, he will ensure the law applies equally to all regardless of party affiliation.  

Echols, 46, served in the Oklahoma House for 12 years and was the majority floor leader for eight of them. He holds a law degree from Oklahoma City University.  

Echols lives in Oklahoma City where he practices law in civil litigation, regulatory compliance and consumer protection. 

He’s also owned healthcare and construction companies.

As attorney general, Echols has said he wants to protect the freedoms of Oklahomans and uphold Judeo Christian values, protect landowners from foreign interests and stand with President Donald Trump.

Echols will be sworn in as attorney general Jan. 11.