Political heavyweight-backed Treat wins election as next Oklahoma County clerk

Oklahoma County Clerk-elect Maressa Treat pledged late Tuesday to improve working conditions for the staff once she takes charge.

Treat, a Republican and the wife of Oklahoma Senate Pro Tem Greg Treat, narrowly won a special election against Democrat Derrick Scobey Tuesday. She will serve out the remaining term of David Hooten, who resigned last year.

Treat, who had the backing of U.S. Sens. James Lankford and Markwayne Mullin among others, entered Tuesday's election with a significant fundraising advantage. She is 41.

Hooten left office after questionable staff training activities were brought to light.

“I pledge to bring honor, integrity and transparency to this office, while improving the overall working conditions for those who will be serving Oklahomans with me on a day-to-day basis," said Treat in a statement released after Tuesday's votes were counted.

Oklahoma County elections: Maressa Treat narrowly defeats Derrick Scobey in race to fill Oklahoma County Clerk seat

With all precincts in, Treat won the election with 21,994 votes (51.86%).

Scobey, pastor of Ebenezer Baptist Church and a member of the Oklahoma County jail trust, was supported by 20,416 voters.

On Wednesday, Scobey thanked his supporters, calling the opportunity to run the honor of a lifetime.

Oklahoma County election results: How candidates fared in the April 4 special elections, runoffs

Scobey also said he hoped the election results inspired Oklahoma County residents to believe in something better, given that Hooten took the seat in 2016 with 63% of the vote and was unopposed for reelection in 2020.

"While I won't be your next county clerk, I know that together we have laid the groundwork for a stronger, safer, more prosperous future for everyone who calls Oklahoma County home," Scobey said.

The Oklahoma County clerk is responsible for maintaining records pertaining to city charters and military discharges. It also maintains land records, including oil, gas and mineral leases, for property throughout the state. The office also maintains the county's financial records.

Treat said the office she is about to lead provides county and state residents a vital service that relies upon attention to details and a strong work ethic to succeed.

"I plan to bring energy and vision to this office, starting on day one," she stated in the post-election release.

Treat, who describes herself as a lifelong conservative and community advocate, also thanked her volunteers and family for their support during the campaign.

"Families go through the stress of a campaign just as much as a candidate. Their unwavering support continuously lifted my spirit and helped me work even harder,” Treat said.

This article originally appeared on Oklahoman: Maressa Treat aims to mend fences as Oklahoma County clerk