Sen. Jim Halligan, R-Stillwater, has decided that the 2016 session will be his last to serve in the Oklahoma Legislature. Before being elected to the Senate in 2008, Halligan, who chairs the Appropriation Subcommittee on Education, was president of Oklahoma State University. He issued the following statement on Wednesday:
“It has been an honor and a privilege to represent District 21 in the Senate. My wife Ann and I have made many good friends—it has been an extraordinary experience. But after much thought and consideration, I have decided against seeking a third term in 2016. I want to express my deepest thanks to the citizens of Payne County for the opportunity to serve, and extend my sincere gratitude to my fellow members for their support and friendship and to our staff for their professionalism and dedication.”—Sen. Jim Halligan.