Jonathan Nichols once again will represent State Senate District 15.

Nichols, R-Norman, was elected to a third term Tuesday evening. He defeated Diane Drum, D-Norman, for the seat.

With 100 percent of precincts counted, Nichols won with 23,119 votes. Drum received 15,017 votes.

In a statement e-mailed to The Norman Transcript, Nichols said, "I am deeply humbled by the extraordinary margin of this victory.? And I realize that this is a strong message from the wonderful people of this community, for me to continue working hard on improving education, building our economy, investing in roads and strengthening public safety." ?

Nichols was elected to the state Senate in 2000. Senate District 15 covers Cleveland and McClain counties.

Drum said she knew the race would be an uphill battle but decided education was worth the try.

"We appreciate everyone associated with the campaign within the party, within the community and especially with our young Democrats who came out in force to help us," Drum said. "We wish Senator Nichols the best."

In the State Senate District 17 race, Charlie Laster, D-Shawnee, defeated Don Rominger Jr., R-Tecumseh.

With 100 percent of precincts counted, Laster won with 15,806 votes, and Rominger received 12,145.

Laster said he was pleased with Tuesday's win.

"It's a pretty good victory, and Brad Henry was state senator in District 17 for 10 years and it looks like I'm gonna be the same for 10 years," Laster said.

Laster was elected to the Senate seat in 2003 to fill Henry's unexpired term. Henry gave up the seat when he won the governor's election in 2002.

Laster was re-elected in 2004. This will be his second full term.

District 17 covers most of Pottawatomie County, far northeastern Cleveland County and Harrah-Newalla in Oklahoma County.

Meghan McCormick 366-3539 mmccormick@normantranscript.com