Introduction
Mark Costello (November 10, 1955 – August 23, 2015) was the Commissioner of Labor of Oklahoma from 2011 to 2015. A Republican, he was elected in 2010, defeating the Democratic incumbent, Lloyd Fields. Before his election he was a businessman who founded several technology companies.
After taking office, he established a non-profit advocacy groupto oppose the positions of public employee unions, and fought federal regulations on family farms.
Election results
- July 27, 2010 Republican Primary
| Candidate | Votes | % | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mark Costello | 127,413 | 57.06% | |
| Jason Reese | 95,869 | 42.94% | |
- November 2, 2010 General Election
| Candidate | Votes | % | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mark Costello | 649,748 | 64.17% | |
| Lloyd Fields | 362,805 | 35.83% | |
- November 4, 2014 General Election
| Candidate | Votes | % | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mark Costello | 504,307 | 62.8% | |
| Mike Workman | 299,284 | 37.2% | |
Personal life
Costello was born in Bartlesville and graduated from College High School, then attended the University of Kansas while working summers on oil rigs in the North Sea. He married Cathy Cerkey in 1982; they had five children.
Costello founded American Computer & Telephone (AMCAT) in 1991, a telephone software company based in Oklahoma City. AMCAT was sold in 2007. He founded another telecommunications company, USA Digital Communications, in 1997. He identified as Catholic and pro-life, and was a member of the National Rifle Association.
Death
Costello died from stab wounds inflicted by his own son on August 23, 2015, at a Braum's restaurant in Oklahoma City. Eyewitnesses observed the incident. They saw Costello and his son Christian circling the restaurant. Eventually, a witness stopped the son by ramming him with his car. His son was arrested following the incident, and is reported to have a history of mental illness.