Blue wave splashes across Oklahoma County

By Jordan Redman
Staff Writer

Candidate filing began Wednesday, April 11, at 8 a.m., the window closes today, April 13 at 5 p.m..

A record number of filings have been reported.

Mark Faulk, Oklahoma County Democratic Party Chair released this statement:

"For the first time in decades (and possibly the first time ever), every voter in Oklahoma County will have the privilege of casting a vote for a highly qualified Democratic candidate."

Faulk continued, "As of 1:00 PM Friday, a total of 34 Democratic candidates, including 24 women, have filed to run in the 21 seats that are either open or have an incumbent Republican legislator. The last three open districts were filled today when Jackie Phillips filed to run in HD 81 and LaVelle Compton filed this early this morning in HD 90. Sara Peterson will file at 1:30 PM to complete the sweep. Oklahoma County also has 9 incumbent Democrats running for re-election."

Democrats across the state are rallying for support.

Wednesday morning, teacher Cyndi Ralston was among the first 10 people to arrive at the Capitol to register. Ralston, who has been teaching for more than 30 years, announced her bid last week in response to Representative Kevin McDugle's angry criticism of teacher walkouts.

Before the deadline ends, dozens of Oklahoma teachers plan to file.

An official printed list of all candidates who filed Declarations of Candidacy with the Oklahoma State Election Board during the April 11-13 candidate filing period will be issued by the Oklahoma State Election Board approximately 1 p.m., Monday, April 16.

UPDATE April 16, 2018.

Angela Phillips has withdrawn from the race for State Representative, District 27. There are now no democrats running in District 27.

The Gayly. April 13, 2018. 1:42 p.m. CST.