Mauree Turner Wins, Will Be First Muslim Lawmaker In Oklahoma
Mauree Turner won her election for state House in Oklahoma’s 88th district, making history as the first Muslim person elected to the state’s legislature.
The 27-year-old political newcomer beat out Republican Kelly Barlean for the seat. In the heavily Republican state, Turner’s district, which includes Oklahoma City, leans solidly Democratic.
Turner told HuffPost last month that she was running because Oklahomans with her “shared lived experience” — someone who was raised in “a single parent household because one parent was incarcerated” and ”had to live off SNAP benefits” — have not been represented.
“That was my upbringing, and it’s not a unique one,” said Turner, who is Black and queer.
Turner, a community organizer, had secured an upset win over Democratic incumbent Rep. Jason Dunnington in the June primary. Her progressive platform is centered around criminal justice reform, a higher minimum wage, and access to affordable health care.
https://www.huffpost.com/entry/mauree-turner-wins-oklahoma-first-muslim-lawmaker_n_5f8f25f9c5b6dc2d17faca32
