Freshman lawmaker from southeastern Oklahoma dies

Rusty Farley, believed to be the first Republican elected from a heavily Democratic area in southeast Oklahoma, died in a Paris, Texas, hospital after suffering a pulmonary aneurysm, said John Estus, spokesman for House Speaker Kris Steele.

Farley, from Haworth, was 57. Funeral services are pending. Farley represented District 1, which covers most of McCurtain County.

"Representative Farley was a dedicated public servant who will be sorely missed at the Capitol. My thoughts and prayers go out to his friends and family during this difficult time," Gov. Mary Fallin said.

The governor will call a special election to fill the vacancy. It's possible a successor could be elected late this year.