J.J. Dossett is an American teacher, Oklahoma Air National Guard veteran, and politician who served as a member of the Oklahoma Senate from the 34th district from 2016 to 2022. He was first elected in November 2015 and assumed office on January 21, 2016.

J.J. Dossett
Assistant Minority Floor Leader of the Oklahoma Senate
In office
2018 – November 16, 2022
Member of the Oklahoma Senate
from the 34th district
In office
January 21, 2016 – November 16, 2022
Preceded byRick Brinkley
Succeeded byDana Prieto
Personal details
Political partyDemocratic
SpouseAshley
RelationsJo Anna Dossett (sister)
Children3
Residence(s)Owasso, Oklahoma, U.S.
EducationOklahoma State University–Stillwater (BA)
Military service
Allegiance United States
Branch/service United States Air Force
Years of service2002–present
RankChief Master Sergeant
UnitOklahoma Air National Guard
Battles/warsIraq War
War in Afghanistan

Early life and education

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J.J. Dossett grew up in Owasso, Oklahoma where his father was principal of Owasso High School for 29 years and his mother taught swimming and elementary special education.[1] He graduated from Owasso High School in 2002 and earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in history education from Oklahoma State University in 2006. In 2021, he completed a Master of Science in education leadership and school administration.[2]

Military service and teaching career

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Dossett served in the Oklahoma Air National Guard and reached the rank of master sergeant.[3] He served in the 138th Fighter Wing and 219th Electronics Engineering and Radar Installation Squadron and was deployed in Iraq and Afghanistan.[1][2]

After his military service, Dossett returned to Owasso. He was hired to teach world history and medieval history at Owasso High School and assistant coached the basketball team.[1] He taught at the high school for 10 years.[2]

Oklahoma Senate

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In 2015, Dossett ran in a special election to replace the former district 34 State Senator, Republican Rick Brinkley, who had pled guilty to embezzlement and resigned.[4] Dossett defeated Republican David McLain in the November election becoming the first Democrat elected in the district since 1990.[5] He was sworn in on January 21, 2016.[4] Dossett was the Minority Whip from 2017 to 2018.[6]

In 2018, Dossett ran for a full term and won unopposed.[7] From 2018 to 2022, he was the assistant Democratic floor leader.[6] In 2020, Dossett's sister Jo Anna Dossett was also elected to the Oklahoma Senate.[1] In his last term, Dossett was the only Democratic Senator who consistently voted for anti-abortion legislation. In 2022, he lost his reelection campaign to far-right Republican Dana Prieto.[8]

Post-senate career

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Dossett was hired as the assistant to the city manager for the city of Owasso, Oklahoma in April 2023.[2]

Personal life

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Dossett lives in Owasso, Oklahoma, with his wife and their four children.[2]

Electoral history

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2016

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2016 special election Democratic primary: Oklahoma State Senate, District 34[7]
Party Candidate Votes %
Democratic J.J. Dossett 457 73.1%
Democratic Lisa Franklin 168 26.9%
2016 special general election: Oklahoma State Senate, District 34[7]
Party Candidate Votes %
Democratic J.J. Dossett 2,173 56.3%
Republican David McLain 1,687 43.7%

2018

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In the 2018 election for the District 34 State Senate seat, Dossett was unopposed in both the Democratic primary and the general election.[7]

2022

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General Election
Party Candidate Votes %
Democratic Party J. J. Dossett
Republican Party Dana Prieto
Total Votes 100%

References

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  1. ^ a b c d Savage, Tres (17 October 2022). "Democrat on defense: Sen. J.J. Dossett faces Dana Prieto in SD 34". Retrieved 18 October 2022.
  2. ^ a b c d e "Former state Sen. J.J. Dossett takes on municipal government role for Owasso". Tulsa World. April 27, 2023. Retrieved 9 May 2023.
  3. ^ Love, Ryan (10 October 2018). "Know Your Reps: Oklahoma District 34 Senator J.J. Dossett". Fox23 News. Retrieved 30 June 2020.
  4. ^ a b "Dossett sworn in as Oklahoma state senator". kjrh.com. 21 January 2016. Retrieved 30 June 2020.
  5. ^ Krehbiel, Randy (13 January 2016). "Democrat J.J. Dossett elected in state Senate District 34". Tulsa World. Retrieved 30 June 2020.
  6. ^ a b "J. J. Dossett's Biography". Vote Smart. Retrieved 30 June 2020.
  7. ^ a b c d "J.J. Dossett". Ballotpedia. Retrieved 30 June 2020.
  8. ^ Mills, Kateleigh; Herrara, Allison; Korth, Robby; LaCroix, Ryan; Nunez, Xcarat; Wallis, Beth; Wheeler, Graycen; Sweeney, Catherine; Hubbard, Rachel (9 November 2022). "Oklahoma Election Results: Kevin Stitt wins reelection for Governor, Ryan Walters becomes State Superintendent". KOSU. Retrieved 12 November 2022.