WASHINGTON — Today, the Democratic Legislative Campaign Committee (DLCC) announced two 2024 Spotlight candidates in Oklahoma running to challenge GOP power in the legislature. These strong Democratic candidates provide opportunities to flip competitive seats and make progress for their constituents despite the GOP majorities in the House and Senate.
The Spotlight candidates unveiled today are:
- Erin Brewer (SD-47) is a small business owner, non-profit leader, and fifth-generation Oklahoman running to flip a seat in the state Senate. Erin has used her position in the community to advocate for public education and criminal justice reform. She’s also deeply concerned by the violence and division fueled by partisan extremists in office. If elected, Erin is determined to fight back with sensible, respectful leadership and prioritize funding public schools, bringing down the cost of health care, promoting a strong economy, and supporting working families.
- Chaunté Gilmore (HD-100) is a community leader, non-profit professional, and physical therapy assistant from Oklahoma City running for the state House this fall. Chaunté knows that Oklahoma desperately needs change in the capitol, and flipping her district will be the first step toward a brighter future. Helping build a healthier Oklahoma is Chaunté’s life’s work, and she’s ready to expand her impact beyond her patients by joining the legislature and fighting to improve life for workers and their families. She’s ready to advocate for full funding for public schools, the rights of marginalized communities, environmental protections, and access to quality health care.
Republicans in Oklahoma’s legislative majorities this year wielded their power to advance some of the most extreme anti-abortion legislation in the country, including bills that could have threatened emergency contraception and IUDs, created a statewide database tracking women who received an abortion, and criminalized the transportation of abortion medication. Oklahoma Republicans have also created a dangerous landscape for LGBTQ+ people, with one GOP Senator referring to LGBTQ+ Oklahomans as “filth” earlier this year.
The DLCC’s Spotlight candidates represent some of the best opportunities to build Democratic power in Oklahoma to push back against MAGA extremism. This announcement continues the momentum of DLCC’s “Summer of the States” campaign, which launched last month to call attention to the critical window to build the infrastructure for Democrats to push past Republican efforts and boost our chances for victory in November. These strong Oklahoma candidates join hundreds of candidates who are mounting inspiring campaigns in every corner of the country to build Democratic power and counter MAGA control of state legislatures.
DLCC Board Member and Oklahoma House Democratic Leader Cyndi Munson issues the following statement:
“House Democratic candidates in Oklahoma are on the front lines of the fight to break the Republican supermajority in our Legislature. Every day they are talking to voters about the issues that matter to them the most- our public schools, healthcare, and ending right-wing extremism. I see their hard work in their campaigns every day and know that they are essential to bringing balance to our Legislature and fight for everyday Oklahomans.”
Democratic Legislative Campaign Committee President Heather Williams issued the following statement:
“Oklahoma Republicans’ aggressive assaults on reproductive rights and LGBTQ+ freedoms will only come to an end by building Democratic power in the state legislature. The DLCC is shining a light on two Oklahomans who are dedicated to safeguarding Oklahomans’ rights and freedoms and standing up against divisive Republican policies to build a more equitable state. Their campaigns are essential to counter the Republican extremism that threatens Oklahomans. The DLCC is excited to champion these bold candidates as we work to strengthen Democratic power in all corners of the country.”
The DLCC is the official arm of the Democratic Party with the sole mission of building Democratic power in the states and setting the national agenda at the state level. Over the last decade, we have fought cycle-over-cycle to gain a dozen new legislative chamber majorities and we are leading the effort to bring national attention and investment to our ballot level. State legislatures are the building blocks of our democracy and have the closest connections to Americans’ day-to-day lives. From protecting fundamental freedoms and voting rights to growing the middle class, the DLCC and state legislators are moving the Democratic agenda forward and shaping the future of this country.
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