TULSA'S ELECTION HQ: Bridenstine pulls off upset victory over Sullivan in Dist. 1

A Navy fighter pilot with no previous political experience has pulled off a huge upset, unseating five-term GOP Congressman John Sullivan in a hotly-contested primary race in Oklahoma's First Congressional District.

Bridenstine now goes from being the underdog in District 1 to being the man to beat, as Democrat John Olson and Independent Craig Allen will have a tough time winning in the heavily Republican First District.

A former Navy fighter pilot, and current reservist who still flies drug interdiction missions, Bridenstine parlayed his military background and an anti-incumbent mood amongst the electorate into a sizeable margin of victory.

He managed to get just under 54 percent of the vote against Sullivan, who has rarely had any serious challengers from either party since he first ran in 2002.

Moments after KRMG told Bridenstine we were projecting him as the winner, he expressed gratitude to his supporters, and to Sullivan's as well, maneuvering to bring them to his banner for the November election.

"There's a lot of people out there that voted for me, and I'd like to thank them for their votes...but I'd also like to thank the people that were working hard for Congressman Sullivan, because I know that they had their dog in the fight, we had our dog in the fight, and we worked really hard on both sides. I think at this point we need to all unite, and get behind one candidate so we can win in November."

He also expressed relief. "I'll tell you what, there's been a movement here that's been amazing. It's...a big relief to know we put in all this work, and we came out ahead."

Asked about what would happen to his military career if he wins in November, he replied: "Absolutely nothing. I will still serve, there's hundreds of years of law and precedent for military members serving in the legislative branch, which is what I intend to do.

"I'll probably take a reserve position that's more administrative in nature, so that I'll be able to spend all the time I need in Congress and I won't miss any votes."