Askins, in accordance with Oklahoma state law, faced Regan in a runoff for the party's nomination. In the run-off election on August 22, 2006, Askins received 95,087 votes (53.81%) to Regan's 81,622 votes (46.19%). Askins became the Democratic nominee for lieutenant governor, and she was elected on November 7, 2006. Her opponent was Republican Speaker of the House Todd Hiett. Before serving as lieutenant governor, Askins served in all three branches of the government of Oklahoma: legislative (state representative), executive (Chair of the Pardon and Parole Board), and judicial (Special District Judge).