Why I’m Running

---

I have been honored to represent the families of Senate District 35 since November 2020. I am running again to continue to represent Senate District 35 for one reason: our future.

For fifteen years, I worked to build the future of our state, from an Oklahoma public school classroom. I didn’t become a teacher so I could run for office. None of us did. But after fifteen years, I saw clearly that my educator’s voice belongs on the floor of the Oklahoma State Senate, alongside those who are bravely resisting continued efforts to defund public education and neglect our other essential core services.

With over 4,600 emergency teaching certificates issued for the 2023-24 academic year, our state’s teacher exodus continues to grow. At the same time, core services like health care, DHS, and oversight agencies grapple with devastating shortages after years of dramatic cuts.

Since the first time I said, “enough”, took a deep breath, and knocked on a voter’s door nine years ago, I haven’t stopped. Thousands of doors and three legislative sessions later, I’m continuing the fight for my senate district; for our schools, for our core services, and our future.