Independent Dave White Drops Out of 5th District Congressional Race

Staff and Wire Reports

OKLAHOMA CITY – Independent candidate Dave White has announced his withdrawal from the Fifth District Congressional race and his support of Republican nominee James Lankford.

White said he was concerned his candidacy could have siphoned GOP votes from Lankford and given Democratic nominee Billy Coyle a better chance at the open seat.

"As a team player, it's my job to acquiesce, to stand down, and allow James to carry forth and represent the conservative values," White said Monday.

White said he plans to switch his registration back to GOP and help the state party.

White's campaign only had $81 cash on hand as of June 30, according to OpenSecrets.org, a website that tracks candidate fundraising and spending. Records showed White personally financed 80 percent of the $23,297 his campaign raised as of June 30.

White made the announcement during a joint news conference with Lankford at the Oklahoma Republican Headquarters Monday morning.

According to a representative from the state election board, the last day to withdraw was August 27. White's name will still appear on the November 2 ballot as they have already been printed.

Lankford will now face off against Democratic nominee Billy Coyle and Independent candidate Clark Duffe in the November 2 general election.