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In a tragic turn of events, Warren Plunk, a candidate for Oklahoma County District Judge, passed away suddenly at his home on August 29, 2026. The 54-year-old attorney was running against incumbent Judge Susan Stallings in the upcoming general election scheduled for November 3. Plunk's unexpected death has cast a shadow over the judicial race and prompted the governor to call for a special election to fill the office.
Warren Plunk, a seasoned attorney since 2006, had dedicated his career to criminal defense work. His campaign website highlighted his unwavering commitment to serving others and his journey as a lawyer and community leader. "He had a servant's heart," said Tom Vineyard, pastor of Higher Plain Baptist Church, in an interview with The Oklahoman. The pastor expressed his hope that Plunk's Christian and biblical perspective would have been a valuable addition to the judiciary.
Plunk's death has left many reflecting on the impact he could have made as a judge. "It really would have been good to see him as a judge, having a Christian perspective, a biblical perspective," Vineyard added. "It would have been good to have a judge ... that could have given people a second chance."
Judge Susan Stallings, who has known Plunk for years, echoed these sentiments. "He is such a decent guy," she said during a public statement. The election between Plunk and Stallings was expected to be a tight race, with both candidates having a strong presence in the community.
According to the latest campaign reports, Plunk had accumulated $19,415 in contributions through August 10. In contrast, Stallings had $16,448 in contributions and had also loaned her campaign $10,000. The election was poised to be a pivotal moment in the state's 7th judicial district.
Stallings, who was first elected in 2018, has overseen several high-profile cases. In May, she presided over the fraud trial of Brent Swadley, owner of Swadley's Bar-B-Q. The case garnered significant media attention and resulted in a guilty verdict. Stallings also stepped down from another high-profile case in November due to Plunk's candidacy. She was to have presided over the trial in the racketeering case against Ben Harris and David Chaney, co-founders of Epic Charter Schools. However, she recused herself due to a conflict of interest involving Joe White, the defense attorney for Harris and chair of Plunk's campaign.
The sudden death of Warren Plunk has left his supporters and the community in shock. His dedication to public service and his potential impact on the judiciary will be deeply missed. The governor's decision to call for a special election ensures that the citizens of Oklahoma County will have the opportunity to choose their next district judge through a democratic process.
As the state mourns the loss of Warren Plunk, the focus now shifts to the upcoming special election. Both candidates will need to regroup and reassess their strategies in light of this unforeseen development. The race for Oklahoma County District Judge 10 will undoubtedly be one of the most closely watched in the state's history.
The Oklahoman newspaper has reported that the special election will be held on a date to be determined by the governor. In the meantime, the community is coming together to honor Plunk's memory and celebrate his life of service. His passing has sparked a conversation about the importance of public service and the dedication required to serve in the judiciary.
The loss of Warren Plunk is a somber reminder of the human aspect of politics and the impact that personal tragedy can have on the democratic process. As Oklahoma County prepares for a special election to fill the vacancy left by Plunk's untimely death, the community will continue to reflect on his legacy and the important work he was doing to improve the lives of those he served.
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