OKLAHOMA CITY – Rep. Eddy Dempsey, R-Valliant, announced today that he will not seek reelection in the upcoming election for House District 1.

Dempsey issued the following statement:

"Today I'm announcing that I will not seek reelection. I want to thank all my friends and supporters for electing me. Let me say that serving these past five years has been very rewarding, but it's time for me to come home.

"I know people will ask me what comes next. I am returning to work for the same person I served before joining Senator Mullin: my wife. I look forward to continuing the work for this upcoming legislative session, but I do not know where the Lord will lead me after that. I never imagined I would serve as a state representative, but I am grateful to everyone who placed their trust in me. It has been one of the most humbling and rewarding jobs I have ever had. God Bless."

Dempsey was first elected in 2020 to represent House District 1 in the Oklahoma House of Representatives.

Born in Idabel, Dempsey is a graduate of Valliant High School and Southeastern Oklahoma State University. Prior to his election to the Legislature, he worked as a field representative for U.S. Sen. Markwayne Mullin and previously served five years on the Valliant School Board.

Dempsey and his wife have been married for more than 25 years and have two sons. His family owns and operates a small farm in Valliant.

To date in the Oklahoma House, Dempsey has been the principal or author of 61 House bills, with 11 signed into law.

Much of his legislative work has focused on wildlife, hunting and gaming issues, reflecting the importance of outdoor recreation and tourism to House District 1, which includes Broken Bow, Eagletown, Fanshawe, Garvin, Golden, Haworth, Hochatown, Idabel, Le Flore, Talihina, Valliant, Whitesboro, Wister and Wright City.

Dempsey currently serves as chair of the County and Municipal Government Committee and is a member of the Government Oversight Committee, Transportation Committee, and the Appropriations and Budget Transportation Subcommittee.

This year, Dempsey was named Legislator of the Year by the Oklahoma Rifle Association in recognition of his strong support for Second Amendment rights and his advocacy for Oklahoma gun owners and firearms enthusiasts. In 2024, he was also recognized by the Oklahoma Small Business Development Center as a Legislative Advocate, and in 2022, he was named Legislator of the Year by the Oklahoma Wildlife Management Association.

Dempsey will complete his current term during the Second Regular Session of the 60th Legislature, which convenes Feb. 2.