OKLAHOMA CITY (KOKH) — Republican Oklahoma Sen. Jim Inhofe's retirement came as a shock when he made the announcement in late February.

After the announcement, a slew of possible candidates announced their intent to run for his seat in the next election, which is presumed to take place in November.

Late Monday afternoon, Enid, Oklahoma-based attorney Stephen Jones filed a lawsuit with the Oklahoma Supreme Court and Election Board Secretary Paul Ziriax to try and stop that election from taking place.

In court documents, Jones asks for the court to direct the Oklahoma State Election Board to not accept declarations of Candidacy when the time period opens up on April 13.

He's also asking the court to intervene and stop the Board from printing ballots for the June 28 primary election and the Aug. 23 runoff election, along with the special general election planned for Nov. 8.

Jones claims the election to fill Inhofe's seat violates the 17th amendment of the U.S. Constitution. In the court filing, he argues the governor should not have called for a special election before Sen. Inhofe actually left his office. Sen. Inhofe plans to leave office on January 3, 2023.

Jones also claims Inhofe could change his mind about retirement. In the court filing, Jones said there is "no known Senate rule or precedent that prohibits a Senator from withdrawing or revoking a letter of resignation/retirement".

Jones said the only legal special election for Inhofe's seat should take place after Jan. 3, 2023.