Progressive candidate unseats Democratic incumbent for OKC House seat

A progressive community organizer in the heart of Oklahoma City defeated a top Democrat in Oklahoma's House.

Mauree Turner defeated incumbent Rep. Jason Dunnington by 250 votes for the Democratic nomination in House District 88, which includes the Paseo and Plaza Districts.

“Growing up as a Black, Muslim, queer woman in Oklahoma, I never thought that something like this would be possible,” Turner said. “Nevertheless, I never thought that I would be the person that moved Oklahoma in this direction. It’s a really humbling experience, and I’m really grateful for the folks in House District 88 for allowing me that opportunity.”

Turner is a regional field director for the Campaign for Smart Justice, an ACLU criminal justice reform initiative.

Turner watched the election results with friends and family at the Diversity Center of Oklahoma.

An avowed progressive, Turner ran to the left of her incumbent opponent. Dunnington has pushed progressive legislation in Oklahoma’s House, but was largely viewed as a moderate Democrat.

This was Dunnington's first primary challenge since he was first elected in 2014.

Turner’s campaign focused on mobilizing people who may not typically vote. They just needed something, or more specifically, someone to get excited about, Turner said.

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“The main thing we wanted to do was bring out voters that hadn’t felt represented or seen or heard in a long time, to turn out a new electorate altogether, and renew that sense of excitement for a candidate,” she said.

In the general election, Turner will face Republican Kelly Barlean. Registered Democrats outnumber Republicans 2:1 in the district.

If Turner wins the general election, she will be Oklahoma’s first Muslim legislator.