Oklahoma County manager Jessica Clayton won the Republican runoff for the District 3 county commissioner seat Aug. 25, defeating Edmond businessman Alex Warren by a wide margin and setting up a November general election against Democrat Jennifer Mayo.

Clayton held more than 63 percent of the vote with about 95 percent of precincts reporting, according to NonDoc Media. Warren trailed at roughly 37 percent. Results are unofficial until certified by the Oklahoma State Election Board.

The District 3 seat covers Edmond, Arcadia, Luther and parts of Oklahoma City. It has been held by interim Commissioner Paul Foster since former Commissioner Myles Davidson resigned amid allegations of sexual harassment and assault.

"I didn't enter this race to learn the job after the election. I know the work, I know Oklahoma County, and I am ready to lead," Clayton said in a victory statement reported by The Oklahoman.

Clayton, 45, topped a five-candidate field in the June 16 primary with 41.8 percent. Warren, 64, squeaked into the runoff by eight votes over Wendy Jo Hampton.

Jail sales tax looms over general election

The dominant issue separating the two Republicans was the proposed four-tenths-of-a-cent county sales tax headed to voters Nov. 3. The 25-year tax would raise an estimated $605 million to finish the new jail campus at 1901 E. Grand Blvd. Clayton supports it; Warren opposed it.

The Oklahoma County Board of Commissioners voted Aug. 12 to place the tax on the Nov. 3 ballot. Commissioner Brian Maughan moved, Foster seconded and Commissioner Jason Lowe voted against the measure over concerns about diversion program funding.

That $605 million comes on top of $260 million raised by a voter-approved 2022 bond issue that proved far below the project's total cost. If the sales tax fails, the county would operate a hybrid jail: a partial facility with intake, diversion, kitchen and laundry services on East Grand, plus the 35-year-old, 13-story jail tower downtown at 201 N. Shartel Ave.

In an Aug. 19 interview with The Oklahoman, Clayton said she would vote yes on the tax, saying it took four years to get the question before voters. Warren told The Oklahoman he would vote no, arguing taxpayers should not be asked for more money "until there is a clear, complete and transparent plan for the jail."

What's next

Clayton now faces Mayo, who won the Democratic primary outright in June. Mayo brings a background in advocacy work with the Regional Food Bank of Oklahoma, United Way of Central Oklahoma and AmeriCorps, and is a founding board member of women's health nonprofit PeriodOKC.

The general election is Nov. 3.