Citing jurisdiction, Oklahoma Supreme Court punts on Sen. Jim Inhofe election challenge

The Oklahoma Supreme Court has decided it is not the proper venue to hear a lawsuit challenging the timing of a special election to fill retiring U.S. Sen. Jim Inhofe's seat. 

The nine justices unanimously declined to assume jurisdiction in the case just a day after hearing oral arguments. 

Justices hinted Wednesday that federal court would be a more appropriate venue for the lawsuit because Enid attorney Stephen Jones is arguing the 17th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution should be the guiding law when determining the timing of a special election to the U.S. Senate.

Jones has challenged Gov. Kevin Stitt's decision to set a special election to coincide with this year's regularly scheduled elections. 

Related:Oklahoma Supreme Court hears arguments in Jim Inhofe special election challenge

He argues a special election cannot be set until Inhofe officially steps down on Jan. 3, 2023. At that point, the governor would appoint someone to serve until a special election is held in 2024. 

Jones signaled Wednesday he would bring the lawsuit in federal court should the Oklahoma Supreme Court decline to move forward on the case.