History made in Oklahoma House District 85 election

by Robin Dorner
Editor in Chief

“I cannot believe this! I mean I can, but it’s surreal,” said Oklahoma State Representative-elect Cyndi Munson. Munson had just won the House District special election held today in Oklahoma. She is a Democrat.

According to our research, there has never been a Democrat who has held the office of Representative in this district. The district was formed in 1963.

Her Republican opponent Chip Carter not only raised more money, but had endorsements by Oklahoma Governor Mary Fallin and both U.S. Senators, Jim Inhofe and James Lankford. The district has more than 70 percent registered Republicans.

The “unofficial” results are: Munson: 54% (2640 votes) Carter: 46% (2268 votes).

From 1990-1995, House District 85 was represented by then Representative Mary Fallin who was elected to the office of Lieutenant Governor.

Munson made an unsuccessful bid for the seat in 2014, but was defeated by incumbent David Dank who died in April of this year.

“My team worked so hard through this whole process,” added Munson. “I tried not to pay that much attention to the poll results early on – I wanted to spend time with my guests.”

She said she found out around 7:30 this evening that she won when House Minority Leader Scott Inman announced it to her watch party attendees.

What this means for LGBT Oklahoma: “I’ll always vote for equality – I’ve never shied away from that in my campaigning. I believe we need to stick with that and that’s not just for my campaign, that’s something I truly believe.

“I think that as a Democrat now that a Democrat is elected we have a voice and it’s that we need to get the message out,” Munson added. “Even in 2014 my job was to get the message out even those not in 100 percent in line with me still feel they have someone they can trust.”

Munson starts setting up “House” within the next week. She said she is committed to represent everyone, even those even who did not vote for her.

 “At the end of the day it’s not about endorsements, it’s about support,” Munson said in closing. “People are apathetic to the political process – at a local level it’s about people trusting who they are voting for. They have to see your perseverance and dedication.”

“I am so amazed,” said Aaron Wilder, former Chair of LGBT Caucus of the Young Democrats and current Chair of the 5th District Democratic Party. “I have no doubt in my mind that Cyndi Munson is going to be a friend of the LGBT Community across the state.” Wilder is a resident of HD 85.

For more information about Representative-elect Cyndi Munson, visit www.cyndimunson.com.

The Gayly - Published Sept. 8, 9:44pm CST