Jake A. Merrick (born 1981/1982)[1] is an American politician from the U.S. state of Oklahoma who served in the Oklahoma Senate representing the 22nd district from 2021 to 2022. A member of the Republican party, he won the special election to finish the term of Stephanie Bice. He lost his re-election campaign to a primary challenge from Kristen Thompson.
Early life and career
Before running for office, Merrick worked as a licensed minister, bodybuilder, and personal trainer.[2] He is a former pastor for Living Rivers Millennial Church in Tulsa, Oklahoma and former co-pastor for the Tabernacle of Praise in Edmond, Oklahoma.[3][4] Merrick worked as a professor of theology and philosophy at Southwestern Christian University.[3] Merrick is also the co-owner of a construction company.[5]
Merrick ran for re-election in 2022. He faced a primary challenge from Edmond business owner Kristen Thompson. Thompson out fundraised Merrick and was endorsed by Governor Kevin Stitt. On June 28, Thompson defeated Merrick in the Republican primary.[9]
