Ex-lawmaker, Iraq vet launches congressional bid

OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) – A former state senator and Iraq War veteran is formally launching his campaign for Oklahoma’s 5th Congressional District seat.

Republican Steve Russell plans to announce his candidacy Thursday at Don’s Alley Restaurant in Del City.

The seat is currently held by two-term Republican U.S. Rep. James Lankford, who is stepping down to run for U.S. Senate.

The 50-year-old Russell served in the state Senate from 2008 to 2012 after a more than 20-year Army career that culminated with the U.S. invasion of Iraq. He wrote the book, "We Got Him," about his unit’s role in the hunt for and capture of Saddam Hussein.

Other Republicans in the race are Corporation Commissioner Patrice Douglas, state Sen. Clark Jolley and former state Rep. Shane Jett.