Graham Fishburn

Second generation Purcell Mayor Graham Fishburn is hanging up his gavel.

Fishburn, who has served 12 years on the city council with the last four as Mayor, did not file for re-election during last week’s filing period.

An attorney, Fishburn is a fourth generation Oklahoman and has a distinguished military career

“It was time and I was ready to hand it off,” Fishburn told The Purcell Register.

His father, Ron, served 18 years on the city council and served as Mayor several times .

During the filing period, a trio of races developed, according to McClain County Election Board Secretary Karen Haley. 

Filing for the local offices was held December 1-3.

Adam Demorest and Danny M. Henderson have both filed for Purcell’s City Council Division 1 seat and a race has developed for a board position at Mid America Technology Center.

Long-time board member Michael Dillinger will be challenged by Bruce Bridwell of Goldsby.

Also, a race has developed in Washington for that school board seat between Todd Price of Blanchard and Coleton Sharp of Goldsby.

Incumbents Kevin Andrews (office No. 1) and Melissa Meyers-Madden (office No. 4) are both unopposed for their seats on the Purcell Board of Education and Eric Cochran is unopposed for the Dibble Board of Education position.