Friends,

I have to be honest. Yesterday afternoon I was polishing off a few highlights to share with you about this year's Legislative session.

Democratic legislators passed a record number of bills for the minority party and we as engaged citizens helped beat several crank rightwing policies!

But those details have to wait for another day.

Because last night the Oklahoma's Republicans stayed in Session past midnight to close the Session out in a complete dumpster fire.

Senate Republicans kept a vote open for 6 HOURS to override a veto on a bill relating to the National Guard.

When that vote finally closed, the Senate took up a resolution to remove Director Allie Friesen from the Oklahoma Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services.

Governor Kevin Stitt, in a conspiracy theory heavy press release/tantrum that would have made Trump jealous, used his office to make baseless accusations against the spouse of the Senate author.

Even here, as Republicans accused each other of being unfit to lead, we get to take the time to celebrate our impressive Democratic caucus. 

While Republicans formed a circular firing squad, House Democratic Caucus Leader Elect Melissa Provenzano fought to override the veto of HB 1389.

Our Democratic Legislators fought and won to hold the insurance companies accountable and to make them put Oklahomans over profit. 

With a Senate Caucus of 8, and a House Caucus of 18, Oklahoma's Elected Democrats punch far above their weight.

Oklahoma Democrats are fighting every day to build a better Oklahoma for all of us.

And today you have the chance to help us add new fighters to the team!

The next Special Election for a Republican Seat is 11 days away and we're doing everything we can to ensure strong Democratic turnout!

We've talked about Amy Hossain before. What a great leader she'll be for Owasso, and why we're excited to support her.

But I want you to think about how much more Oklahoma's Democrats could do with flipped Republican seats. If we can send our fierce Democratic Representatives fresh reinforcements.

It is obvious that single party rule in Oklahoma is unsustainable.

Opposition leads to better oversight and challenges the status quo. Supermajority rule ensures sloppy governance vulnerable to the machinations of special interests.

More importantly, it fuels the online extremists and makes the majority chase the votes of conspiracy theorists.

A strong Democratic caucus brings balance, common sense, and redirects the focus of the Legislature to serving the needs of the people.

So, I hope you'll join me in taking a big sigh of relief that we survived another Legislative Session.

And I hope you'll join us in electing more Democrats to build a better Oklahoma.

With Defiance,

Lauren Craig

OKDEMS Interim Executive Director

We are Democratic strong, powered by grassroots efforts and activists of this Great State. Our mission is to fight for Oklahoma’s most vulnerable communities, protect working families and ensure that we live up to the promises of the Oklahoma dream.