State senator resigns

OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) – A Democratic state senator from Tulsa has announced plans to resign from office next week.

Sen. Jabar Shumate announced Wednesday that he would step down from his District 11 seat effective Tuesday.

The Democrat from north Tulsa says he plans to pursue an opportunity in the private sector, but that he can’t yet disclose details.

Shumate previously served in the Oklahoma House and was in the final two years of his term. He would not have been able to run again because of term limits.

Gov. Mary Fallin will have to call a special election for the north Tulsa seat, which is considered a Democratic stronghold.

Republicans currently hold a 40-8 advantage over Democrats in the Oklahoma Senate.