Enid native state Sen. Todd Lamb officially announced his candidacy for lieutenant governor Wednesday evening.

Around 90 supporters of Lamb, R-Edmond, showed up at Cherokee Strip Conference Center to hear his announcement.

Lamb began by introducing his family, including his wife, children, parents and mother-in-law.

“We’ve been waiting to get here all day,” said Lamb. “I may live in Oklahoma City or Edmond, but it is very important to come to my hometown, where I was born and raised to make this announcement.”

Lamb then made his official announcement to Enid of his plans to run for lieutenant governor.

“We came to Enid to announce, officially, we are running for lieutenant governor of the great state of Oklahoma,” he said.

Lamb believes his roots in Enid will help him in the race.

“I think I am uniquely qualified to be lieutenant governor being born and raised in Enid. I know there is more than Oklahoma City and Tulsa to this state. It gives me another perspective besides Oklahoma City and Tulsa,” he said.

Lamb has had various work experiences he believes also add to his qualifications.

He has worked as a landman in Oklahoma’s energy industry, has been an adjunct college professor and, in addition to his Senate service, is general counsel for an energy and wireless company in Edmond.

As lieutenant governor, Lamb wants to retain and recruit businesses to Oklahoma.

“It is time for a reverse ‘Grapes of Wrath.’ There are too many Oklahomans living outside of Oklahoma. It is time for your kids to come home,” he said..

Lamb also made announcements in Oklahoma City and Tulsa.

Lamb said the announcement in Enid was especially important because the room was filled with people who have known him his whole life.

“I was born and raised here. Literally, some of the people here helped raise me. These aren’t only supporters, they are friends,” he said.

Present in the audience were Lamb’s coaches, preachers and friends.

Lamb has been raising money for the campaign since June.

Statewide campaign chairman from Enid is Lew Ward. Other statewide campaign chairmen are Casey Chilblain, Larry Nichols, Bob Sullivan and Ed Apple. Campaign co-chairmen are Tom Ward and Don Nickles.

Lamb graduated from Enid High School in 1990 and attended Oklahoma State University. He obtained his law degree from Oklahoma City University.

Lamb worked on the campaign staff of former Gov. Frank Keating. Upon Keating’s election, Lamb worked alongside the governor for four years.

He is serving his second term as a state senator. Prior to returning to Oklahoma, he served four years in the Secret Service, protecting both presidents Bill Clinton and George W. Bush. He also served on the Secret Service Terror Task Force.

Upon leaving the Secret Service, he accepted a position on the staff of former U.S. Sen. Don Nickles.

Lamb serves as majority floor leader and is an ex-officio member of every Senate committee. He and his wife, Monica, have been married 14 years and have two children.

The Lambs are active members of Quail Springs Baptist Church, where he serves as a church deacon. Lamb is a member of Oklahoma Secondary School Activities Association and officiates high school football.