Last Updated on June 14, 2024, 11:35 AM | Published: June 11, 2024
Oklahoma City (Free Press) – With the Oklahoma Democratic Party primary just days ahead, Oklahoma County voters will soon cast their ballots to select their party’s candidate for a range of national to county-level races.
Democratic Party and Independent voters in Oklahoma County will choose candidates for one congressional seat, two State Senate seats, and three House representative positions.
As per the Oklahoma State Election Board, candidates who garner a majority vote in their party’s election will progress to the November general election. If no candidate receives more than half, the top two contenders by vote count will move to the runoff primary in August. In cases where only one party has candidates for office, the elected official will be determined in the primary or runoff primary, bypassing the need for a general election.
The Democratic Party has decided to open its primaries to Independents for the 2024 -2025 election years. Independent voters who want to participate in the Democratic primary must request a Democratic primary ballot when voting either in person or by absentee ballot.
Below is an overview of what Democratic and Independent voters in Oklahoma County can expect to see on their ballots come June 18, along with a brief outline of each candidate’s key priorities and endorsements. An asterisk (*) following a candidate’s name will indicate incumbency.
Congressional District 4 — Information
- According to his campaign website, Macaulay served in the Air Force for 13 years and spent several years working in law enforcement.
- If elected, his priorities would include advocating for reproductive rights, protecting Medicare benefits, and supporting veterans and marginalized groups.
- Brannon, a former teacher and school counselor at Purcell Public Schools, has run for this seat multiple times before. She filed to run for Congressional District 4 in 2020, ultimately losing to Republican Tom Cole in the general election.
- Her campaign website lists her priorities, which include protecting Social Security and Medicare, veterans, and providing transparency in government.
Oklahoma’s 4th congressional district is in the state’s south-central region, covering 15 counties. It includes a small portion of Oklahoma County, including Midwest City and Del City.
State Senator
SD 46 (Unexpired term) – Information
- Grimaldo, a criminal defense attorney, was born and raised in the south-central Oklahoma City district and is running to succeed the open seat that Sen Kay Floyd will vacate due to term limits.
- According to his campaign website, his deep ties to SD 47 have given him a unique perspective on the community’s needs.
- Grimaldo worked as a high school teacher for OKCPS and participated in the 2018 teacher walkout.
- His focus, if elected, is supporting public education, affordable housing, 2SLGBTQ+ rights, criminal justice reform, and mental health and substance use recovery.
- Mann, a longtime resident of SD 46, is an insurance agent and former OKCPS board member.
- He graduated with a bachelor’s degree in International Government from the University of Oklahoma on a President’s Leadership Class Scholarship.
- Mann is a board member of the Oklahoma State School Boards Association, Oklahoma Lawyers for Children and Families, and the Oklahoman Alliance for Healthy Families.
- According to his campaign website, his priorities include advocating for women’s rights, protecting public schools, and supporting workforce development initiatives.
SD 48 (Unexpired term) – Information
- Johnson is seeking her former seat to represent the SD 48, which she held from 2005 to 2014.
- She was the first Black woman nominated for a major statewide office in the history of the state.
- During her tenure, Johnson served on the Health and Human Services, Energy, Finance, and Rules Committee.
- She ran for Governor twice, in 2018 and 2020, but lost in the Democratic primaries both times.
- Some of her priorities include abolishing the death penalty, enhancing quality education, improving access to healthcare, abolishing private prisons, and supporting immigrants’ rights.
- Nice, a community leader and former radio personality, was first elected as the City of Oklahoma City Ward 7 Councilor in 2018 and then was re-elected after running unopposed in 2021.
- During her tenure, Nice prioritized transparency and openness with her constituents by hosting regular town halls to discuss issues important to northeast OKC residents.
- She received the endorsement of current District 48 Senator George Young.
- According to her campaign website, Nice would prioritize transparency, accountability, and inclusivity as a Senator.
State Representative
House District 88 – Information
- Maldonado, a Latina community organizer and advocate, is running for the progressive district in central OKC which includes the Paseo and Plaza districts.
- She serves as a legislative assistant for HD 88 and studied political science at Southeastern Oklahoma State University.
- She is endorsed by the current District 88 representative Rep. Mauree Turner.
- Her campaign lists her priorities which include defending women’s rights, advocating for 2SLGBTQ+ rights, expanding mental health services, and fighting for better immigration policy.
- Sophia, who is an Army veteran and former City of OKC police officer, is a trans woman who has advocated for community policing, women’s rights, reproductive rights, and bodily autonomy.
- This will be her second attempt at the seat, having previously run in 2014 but lost in the Democratic primary.
- Pogemiller is a longtime HD 88 resident with her husband who works as a pediatrician in OKC.
- She has experience working for non-profit organizations, such as the Regional Food Bank of Oklahoma and the Central Oklahoma Immunization Coalition.
- According to her campaign website, Pogemiller’s priorities include standing against policies that negatively impact reproductive rights, LGBTQ+ community rights, immigrant rights, and public schools.
House District 99 – Information
- Grant, who received an endorsement from Sen. Young, works as an economic developer for the Oklahoma Department of Commerce.
- She has experience working in community organizations, including serving as the president of the Wellness Initiative which is a non-profit dedicated to serving the underserved communities in OKC.
- Her campaign website lists her priorities which include maintaining transparency, attracting new businesses, retaining existing businesses, and advocating for policies that foster an equitable community.
- Pittman, a sixth-generation Oklahoman and community leader, is running for a fourth term to represent the district encompassing northeastern and eastern parts of OKC.
- She received endorsements from Mayor David Holt and Minority Leader Cyndi Munson.
- During her tenure, she voted to pass legislation relating to education, maternal health, Indigenous persons, and economic development.
- Some of her priorities include healthcare, family leave, criminal justice reform, and agriculture.
House District 100 – Information
- Parish, a longtime English teacher, is making her first bid for the northwest OKC district which includes Wiley Post Airport.
- She received her degree in English from Texas Tech University and obtained her teacher certification at the University of Central Oklahoma.
- She currently serves as the Director of College Counseling at the Oklahoma School of Science and Mathematics.
- According to her campaign website, if elected, Parish will prioritize high-quality education, teacher’s rights, and affordable healthcare.
- Gilmore is a community leader and physical therapist assistant from District 100.
- She received her bachelor’s degree at OSU in Allied Health and her Master’s in Business Administration in Healthcare Administration from Mid-America Christian University.
- This is Gilmore’s second attempt at the seat since she ran in 2022 and lost to Republican Marilyn Stark in the General Election by a little over 1,000 votes.
- Her priorities, if elected, include strengthening public education, improving access to quality healthcare, supporting economic recovery initiatives, and investing in infrastructure.
Voting information
Early voting begins Thursday and Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at the Oklahoma County Election Board. Polls are open from 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. on Tuesday, June 18. Oklahoma County voters can click here to find a designated polling place and sample ballot.
CORRECTION – In the original version of this report we identified Ellen Podgmiller as being a pediatrician. It is her husband who is the pediatrician. We apologize for the error.
Brianna Garcia is a freelance journalist covering local politics and culture for Free Press. She has a degree in Journalism from the University of Central Oklahoma.