[Ed. Note: Mike Dobrinski of Okeene has authorized the Times & Free Press to publish the following announcement of his candidacy for State House District 59, subject to the June 30, 2020, Republican Primary Election.]

Mike Dobrinski, businessman, rancher and lifelong Okeene resident, announced today he is a candidate for the state House 59.

The seat is currently held by Rep. Mike Sanders (R-Kingfisher). Sanders is retiring due to term limits.

Well-known as the former dealer operator of Dobrinski Chevrolet in Okeene and Kingfisher along with his brother Jim for more than 35 years, they also ran a local family restaurant, self-storage facility and other business interests.

“I love western Oklahoma,” said Dobrinski. “I feel like I understand the interests and concerns of our communities because I share them from a lifetime of experience.”

Dobrinski is the fourth generation in his family to call Okeene home.

In addition to his business pursuits, Dobrinski has served as president of the Okeene Kiwanis Club, Chamber of Commerce and School Foundation, as well as the Blaine County Industrial Team and Pioneer Telephone Cooperative, where he still serves as trustee.

“You’d be hard pressed to fi nd a better, more experienced leader for Oklahoma,” Sanders said. “Mike is a hard worker, fair and honest, and he lives to serve people.

“I’m confident he’d do a great job for the people of District 59.”

After selling his remaining business interests last year, Dobrinski turned his attention to farming, cows and calves — and the problems facing rural Oklahoma.

“I want to help keep my kids here,” said Dobrinski, who was the talk of Okeene in 1995 when his wife Ginny, a public school teacher, gave birth to quadruplets: Michael, James, Scott and Shelby.

“We’ve got to build a rural Oklahoma that offers good schools, attractive job opportunities and accessible healthcare.”

Dobrinski is running as a Republican. He is 100% pro-life, an NRA member and supports President Trump.

Along with his family, Dobrinski is a lifelong member of First United Methodist Church of Okeene, where he is chairman of the Administrative Council. He holds a degree in business administration from Oklahoma State University.

The Times & Free Press

will publish a front page announcement for any political candidate at no charge, if submitted prior to the offi cial fi ling period for that offi ce.