TULSA, Oklahoma — Democrat Amanda Clinton secured a decisive victory in Tuesday's special election, becoming the fourth consecutive woman and third consecutive Democratic woman to represent House District 71.
"District 71 deserves leadership that shows up, speaks truth, and fights like hell for working people, and that's exactly what I plan to do," Clinton said. "I want to thank the voters, our campaign team, the army of volunteers, my friends, family, donors, and everyone who believed in me enough to put their time, energy, and talents into this race. I'm eager to get to work for everyone across House District 71 and the entire state."
Clinton will be sworn in later this summer. While the 2025 legislative session has ended, she plans to spend the coming months meeting with constituents across the district to hear their concerns and ideas ahead of the 2026 session. The next election for this seat is in November 2026.
A broad coalition of supporters backed Clinton's campaign, including Tulsa Mayor Monroe Nichols, former mayors Kathy Taylor and Rodger Randle, the Tulsa Firefighters, Planned Parenthood of the Great Plains, animal welfare advocates, labor unions, and other champions for hardworking Oklahomans.
"My three sisters and I grew up on a farm at the end of a dirt road in Mayes County. We were raised by my dad, a general contractor, and my mom, a teacher, with a lot of help from our grandparents, who farmed and ranched. I come from a long line of hardworking people, so I understand what it takes to serve hardworking families," Clinton said. "In the richest country on earth and in a state that claims to uphold the 'Oklahoma Standard,' it's shameful that people still aren't guaranteed good schools for their kids, quality and affordable health care, or the right to retire with dignity. Hard work is all I know, and no one will work harder than me to ensure that our government refocuses its efforts on the things that matter, like serving its citizens."
The special election was triggered when former State Representative Amanda Swope accepted a position in Mayor Nichols' administration. Clinton emerged from a competitive four-way Democratic primary on April 1 with more than 51% of the vote among record-breaking turnout, advancing to the general election.
A citizen of the Cherokee Nation, Clinton brings deep experience in tribal governance and public service, with a strong track record of serving citizens at every level, including housing, health care, education, and economic development. After beginning her career as a journalist, she served as a senior executive for the Cherokee Nation and Cherokee Nation Businesses for 15 years. Five years ago, she founded a consulting firm specializing in supporting tribes and tribally owned businesses and organizations.
She becomes the third Native woman to represent House District 71 and one of only a handful of Tribal citizens serving in the Oklahoma Legislature.
"Women make up only about 20 percent of our state legislature, and even fewer are Tribal citizens. Preserving a voice for women and Natives was one of the reasons I ran, but so was my belief in building governments that actually meet the needs of their people," Clinton said. "I grew up in the Cherokee Nation, where my tribe provided health care, educational opportunities, and pathways to a career. Our tribes have consistently demonstrated that when governments invest in people, everyone wins. It's time this state gets back to doing the same, and I promise to be a strong, outspoken voice in that effort."
House District 71 primarily covers Riverside to Lewis, from 81st St. to 31st St., north to Southwest Boulevard, and west of the Interdispersal Loop. Neighborhoods include Riverview, Maple Ridge South, Woodward Park, Utica Square, Terwillegar Heights, Brookside, Bolewood Acres, South Bolewood, Heller Park, South Peoria, Hope Valley, Sans Souci, Kensington and Riverwood.
Learn more about Amanda Clinton and her priorities by visiting amandaforoklahoma.com.
