Former House Majority Leader and State Rep. Mike Sanders (R-Kingfisher) thought he was casually surrendering his District 59 office at the State Capitol to his replacement Tuesday.

However, current State Rep. Mike Dobrinski (R-Okeene) had other ideas and coordinated a surprise in conjunction with a wide group of Sanders’ supporters to present his predecessor with a replica of his official office chair.

Dobrinski collected donations large and small from well-wishers who have followed Sanders’ 12-year-career in the State House and previous experience as a White House and then USDA staffer in the George W. Bush Administration.

Only a handful could attend the ceremony due to COVID-19 restrictions and concerns.

Among them were his chief supporters, sons Davis and Walker, both born during their dad’s tenure and frequent State Capitol visitors, along with their mom Nellie, chief philanthropy officer at the Center of Family Love in Okarche.

“I don’t get taken too easily, but I was taken completely by surprise on this one,” Sanders said. “I’ve got to give it up to Representative Dobrinski for this one.”

Dobrinski had previously offered to help Sanders haul a dozen years worth of “stuff” back to Kingfisher from the Capitol.

“I agreed to accept the help, but ended up having to change the date two or three times,” Sanders said. “I obviously didn’t know what all was involved with that.”

Friends, constituents, people pivotal in his campaigns and others from Kingfisher, Woodward, Vici, Okeene and more were also on hand.

“They made that long drive just to say goodbye,” Sanders said. “I really can’t thank them enough. It was certainly bittersweet.”

Sanders closed the door to “his” office one last time. The next time it’s opened, it will be by Dobrinski.

“I believe Mike Sanders has done great things for rural northwest Oklahoma and I look forward to continuing to share a strong voice of conservatism and common sense as your state representative,” said Dobrinski.