OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) — Lt. Gov. Jari Askins, who ran an unsuccessful campaign for governor, has applied for a vacant seat on the Oklahoma Supreme Court.

Askins is one of 19 people who submitted applications to the Oklahoma Judicial Nominating Commission for the seat left vacant by the Oct. 11 death of Justice Marian Opala at the age of 89. Applications for the position were due by Friday.

Each of the candidates will be interviewed and undergo background checks by the Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation before three finalists are selected for the governor's consideration. The governor will review the information and interview finalists before making an appointment.

Askins, a Democrat, was defeated by Republican U.S. Rep. Mary Fallin, a former lieutenant governor, in the Nov. 2 general election for governor.