Tom Cole wins GOP primary to run for 12th term in November.

Longtime House Representative Tom Cole from Oklahoma emerged victorious in the Tuesday night primary, paving his way to secure his 12th term in the House of Representatives come November.

Cole, currently serving as chairman of the influential House Appropriations Committee, faced stiff competition from a crowded GOP field led by political newcomer Paul Bondar, a businessman who self-funded his campaign with millions of dollars.

The veteran Republican has been representing Oklahoma’s 3rd congressional district since 2003, covering parts of Oklahoma City and Norman.

Having deep-rooted connections within the Oklahoma GOP, Cole was expected to secure a plurality of votes. However, his reputation for bipartisan collaboration has drawn challenges from within his own party.

Bondar positioned himself as a more conservative alternative to Cole, criticizing the congressman for his willingness to work with Democrats on issues such as government funding and aid to Ukraine. In response, Cole’s campaign portrayed Bondar as an outsider attempting to buy his way into office.

Adding to his advantage, Cole secured an endorsement from former President Donald Trump, who won the district by a substantial margin in the 2020 election.

“Tom Cole is a fantastic Representative for Oklahoma’s 4th Congressional District. As Chairman of the powerful Appropriations Committee, Tom is fighting hard to secure the border, stop migrant crime, strengthen our military and veterans, support law enforcement, and protect our Second Amendment,” Trump posted on Truth Social in May.

Cole’s unwavering support for Trump is complemented by his alignment with House GOP leadership. He previously led the National Republican Congressional Committee (NRCC) and was the top Republican on the House Rules Committee before assuming the Appropriations Committee chairmanship.

Other Republican contenders who vied to unseat Cole in the primary include Nick Hankins, Rick Harris, and Andrew Hayes.

As the dust settles from the primary elections, the path seems clear for Tom Cole to continue his tenure in Congress, representing the constituents of Oklahoma’s 3rd district.