Term-limited state Rep. Richard Morrissette (D-Oklahoma City) announced on Wednesday that he is withdrawing as a candidate for the Oklahoma Corporation Commission. The south Oklahoma City legislator and lawyer indicated his father’s recent death “had a bigger effect on my life than I thought it would,” according to an email statement issued by his campaign.
Morrissette indicated that he would submit a formal notice to the Oklahoma Election Board soon.
The New Hampshire native has represented House District 92 in south Oklahoma City since 2004. This May, he completed his 12th and final year in the Oklahoma House of Representatives. He previously served three terms in the New Hampshire Legislature.
Upon his withdrawal, incumbent Republican Corporation Commissioner Dana Murphy will be unopposed in her bid for a second full six-year term on the panel that regulates utilities, oil and gas and other industries, according to a report issued by News9.com.
Following Morrissette’s announcement, Corporation Commissioner Dana Murphy released the following statement:
“I know dropping out of a political race is a difficult decision for any candidate to make at any point during a campaign, but especially so after the loss of a loved one. I struggled with the decision to run for re-election after the death of my brother earlier this year. Those who have experienced such a loss can understand the impact it has on your daily life. My prayers go out to Richard and his family as they continue to work through their grief at the loss of his father.”