Self-funded political novice willing to pay top dollar to challenge Rep. Tom Cole, backed by Trump

Rep. Tom Cole, R-Okla., the powerful Republican chairman of the House Appropriations Committee, was facing a primary challenge on Tuesday from a businessman who has invested millions of his own money into the race.

Newcomer Paul Bondar has loaned over $5 million to his campaign in Oklahoma’s 4th Congressional District. Three other GOP candidates are also running.

Cole, a longtime GOP political strategist in Oklahoma before entering Congress in 2002, has the endorsement of former President Donald Trump. However, Bondar’s substantial financial backing has allowed him to saturate television and social media with ads promoting his candidacy.

“Five million dollars in Oklahoma is equivalent to $15 million in Atlanta or $20 million in Los Angeles,” said Chad Alexander, former chairman of the Oklahoma Republican Party. “People are tired of the constant Bondar and Cole ads on the airwaves.”

Bondar has faced scrutiny over his residency, as he most recently lived in Texas and voted in that state’s Republican primary in March, which Cole has used as a point of attack.

Cole typically faces minimal opposition in primaries, but records show he has spent over $3.1 million so far in this election. If no candidate secures over 50% of the vote, the top two candidates will participate in a primary runoff on Aug. 27.

Oklahoma’s 4th District covers south-central Oklahoma, including Ada, Ardmore, Duncan, Lawton/Fort Sill, Moore, and Norman.

There are two other Oklahoma congressmen facing challengers.

In the Tulsa-based 1st District, Rep. Kevin Hern, R-Okla., is up against Paul Royse. Democratic contenders Evelyn Rogers and former FBI agent Dennis Baker will compete against the Republican winner in November.

Rep. Frank Lucas, R-Okla., the longest-serving incumbent in the House delegation, has two challengers who have not raised significant funds.