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November 7, 2012

Cleveland defeats Branstetter for open seat

By Joy Hampton The Norman Transcript

NORMAN — In District 20, Republican Bobby Cleveland defeated Democrat Matt Branstetter for the open seat being vacated by Rep. Paul Roan, D-Tishomingo, who term-limited out.

In District 27, incumbent Republican Josh Cockcroft held onto his seat defeating Democratic challenger Randy Gilbert.

The competition for Oklahoma House District 20 was steep, with four candidates in the Republican Primary and two in the Democratic Primary.

In the primary, Cleveland, of Slaughterville, defeated three candidates from Newcastle — Gil Hensley, Paul Maus and Alon Morrison.

Branstetter, of Noble, triumphed over Rodney Johnson, also of Noble.

Cleveland currently is serving his second term as Cleveland County GOP chair. He served as a delegate for the presidential electoral college in 2008 and is well-known throughout the county as the Slaughterville mayor.

Active in civic affairs within the community, Branstetter served as president of the Noble Chamber of Commerce in 2004 and remains an active and involved member. 

State House District 27 includes the outskirts of Norman and the towns of Little Axe, Pink, Macomb, Tribbey, Tecumseh, Harjo and Maud. Rep. Cockroft is one of two 21-year-old representatives elected to serve in the Oklahoma House. He has been active with the Young Republicans and youth to develop leadership skills with TeenPact across the state. A life-long Oklahoman, he is one of a family of eight.

He married his life-long sweetheart, Jessica.

Gilbert taught agriculture at Lawton High School for five years, then moved back to Pottawatomie County in 1988 to work in the family business, Gilbert and Sons Trucking, where he continues to be the operations manager and vice president. He is also co-owner of Gilbert Insurance Agency and maintains an Oklahoma Insurance license. Gov. Brad Henry appointed Gilbert 10 years ago to serve on the State Board of Career and Technology Education.

 

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