A Republican candidate for the Oklahoma state senate has been found dead, two days after he was last seen. Barry Christian, 54, was running for the 38th District and had a 35-year career as a drilling consultant in the oil and gas sector.
His campaign site described him as the “conservative choice” and he pledged to “proudly stand with President Trump” and “fight for the traditional conservative values that make America great”. He had also secured an endorsement from musician Kid Rock.
Christian was last seen on Tuesday, and his failure to attend a scheduled meeting on Wednesday morning prompted concerns. His charcoal grey 2024 Dodge Ram pickup truck was discovered crashed into a ravine in the Sandy Sanders Wildlife Management Area. His body was recovered from the vehicle, but no cause of death has been released.
The Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigations is examining the truck, with crime scene technicians at the scene. The location is approximately 20 minutes from Christian’s home in Sayre. A discarded campaign sign was found nearby.
Campaign spokeswoman Vivienne Hasenbeck said in a statement that the circumstances surrounding his death remain under investigation. Christian’s daughter Brooklyn said the family was devastated and asked for privacy, adding: “Our world is upside down right now.”
His final campaign appearance was at the Mangum Oklahoma Rattlesnake Festival on Saturday, where he met with local residents to discuss community issues.
