By Tom Blakey and Tony Pennington

Transcript Staff Writers

Democrat incumbent Saundra DeSelms will begin her third term as Cleveland County treasurer, after defeating Republican challenger Ted Ryals, 33,767 to 26,923, or 55.64 to 44.36 percent.

DeSelms’ watch party was at an employee’s home in Norman, surrounded by friends, family and staff members.

“There’s about 35 people here,” she said. “All my staff is here. They’re so supportive. Everyone’s having a good time.”

DeSelms thanked Cleveland County supporters “for having faith in me and deciding to put me back in office. I really want to thank my office staff and my family for all their support.”

Unlike the terms of other county offices, DeSelms’ term will start at the beginning of the fiscal year.

“I still have almost half a year of this term remaining. The judge won’t swear me into office until July 1,” she said.

In the meantime, DeSelms said the county treasurer’s office will “be back to business as usual, with the same friendly and professional staff.”

Contacted at his Moore home, Ryals said it was “a very painful experience not to win.”

“This time I felt I was qualified, and the voters decided differently,” he said. “Anyway, I’m not even really all that angry. I’m concerned.”

Ryals said he’s concerned about an upcoming multi-million dollar bond election, and DeSelms’ ability to examine the documents. “I hope the checks and balances work,” he said.

Ryals said he called DeSelms to congratulate her.

“I told her congratulations and told her to try and do a good job, and she said ‘I am doing a good job.’

“I’m glad she feels she’s doing a good job,” he said.