OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) — Republican state Sen. Dan Newberry of Tulsa says he plans to resign early next year, making his seat in south and west Tulsa the seventh GOP-held legislative seat to be vacated in the last year.

Newberry announced in a statement Tuesday he will resign Jan. 31, 2018, to seek a promotion in his professional career. He currently serves as an executive with the Tulsa Teachers' Credit Union.

Newberry was first elected in 2008 and was re-elected in 2012 and 2016. He is currently chairman of the Senate Business, Commerce and Tourism Committee.

Gov. Mary Fallin will schedule a spe...