News & Press

OKLAHOMA CITY, OK – Over the weekend, Contest Every Race reached out to Oklahomans across the state via text with the goal of locating prospective Democratic candidates. This effort is part of a national campaign led by Contest Every Race to ensure that every Republican faces a challenger, especially in down-ballot races that directly impact working-class communities.

Oklahoma Democrats are committed to fighting for working families across the state, from recruiting over 100 candidates for office, and counting, to holding Republicans like Governor Kevin Stitt and Rep. Stephanie Bice accountable for their out-of-touch policies.

"Running for office as a Democrat is the best way to push back against the failing policies we're living under in our state,” said Erin Brewer, OKDEMS Chair. “Oklahoma Democrats have already recruited the largest candidate slate we've seen in years. With three months before the filing deadline, we're proud to be using every means possible, like partnering with Contest Every Race, to give more Oklahomans choices at the ballot box."

Since March last year, the Oklahoma Democratic Party has been working with Contest Every Race to bring necessary support for our local Democratic county parties to build out their organizing capacity to support newly-recruited candidates up and down the ballot in 2026.

“We’re building something bigger with this challenge. This isn’t just about finding folks to run for office; we’re empowering communities to work together to recruit someone to represent them. We’re building power for grassroots organizing that will sustain the work of voter engagement in rural Oklahoma this election year and beyond,” said OKDEMS Executive Director Lauren Craig.

These efforts, combined with the outreach program launching this weekend, puts the Oklahoma Democratic Party in a position to challenge more races in 2026 than in the last decade. As the April filing window approaches, Oklahoma Democrats are committed to reaching as many prospective candidates as possible to recruit, train, support, and elect in November.

“You don’t have to be a career politician to run for office — you just have to care about your community and be willing to step forward," said Zoe Stein, Executive Director of Contest Every Race. "We're excited to partner with the Oklahoma Democrats because when everyday Oklahomans run, they bring lived experience, accountability, and common sense into local government. That’s how lasting change actually happens."  

In addition to the outreach program announced today, this initiative includes support for local Democratic county parties as announced last Spring, as well as the continued historic support for candidates up and down the ballot.

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Please contact OKDEMS Communications Director Amelia Johnson at amelia@okdemocrats.org for press inquiries, requests for comment, or additional information regarding this release.