The Oklahoma Supreme Court announced Wednesday that oral arguments will be held regarding a challenge to a special election to fill Sen. Jim Inhofe's Senate seat.
Inhofe, 87, announced last month that he plans to step down as of January 2023, triggering a special election later this year to replace him.
Late Monday afternoon, Enid-based attorney Stephen Jones filed a lawsuit with the Oklahoma Supreme Court and Election Board Secretary Paul Ziriax to try and stop the special election from taking place.
Jones claims the election to fill Inhofe's seat violates the 17th amendment of the U.S. Constitution. In the court filing, it states the Governor should not have called for a special election before Inhofe actually left his office.
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 January 3, 2023.
The Oklahoma Supreme Court will meet on March 23 at 1:30 p.m. to hear the oral arguments.
The Oklahoma State Court Network will provide a live stream of the proceedings. The link to the live feed will be available on the OSCN website approximately 60 minutes before the hearing begins.
Inhofe has endorsed his former chief of staff, Luke Holland, to succeed him in the Senate. Rep. Markwayne Mullin has also announced a bid for the seat, along with State. Sen. Nathan Dahm.
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