Inhofe’s resignation shakes up GOP politics in Oklahoma

OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) — Oklahoma’s U.S. Sen. Jim Inhofe says he will step down before his six-year term is up. The 87-year-old senator is the ranking Republican on the Senate Armed Services Committee. He announced his decision on Friday. The senator says he decided a few weeks ago to resign so he can spend time with his wife, Kay. Inhofe has held the seat since 1994, and his departure will trigger a special election for his replacement.

Inhofe endorsed his chief of staff, Luke Holland, as his replacement.

Holland says Inhofe did not attend a press event on Friday because the senator has “a mild case of COVID.”