Incumbent Rep. Annie Menz is running for reelection for Oklahoma’s House District 45 seat in a contested race, while several other candidates representing Norman and Cleveland County are running unopposed.
Menz (D-Norman) is running against Republican candidate Carolyn Womack-Bielich and Democratic candidate Evan Shepherd.
Menz, a U.S. Navy veteran from Oklahoma City, was first elected as the District 45 representative in 2022 and again in 2024. She has advocated for a free school lunch program and opposed the ACCESS Oklahoma turnpike project.
Shepherd has lived in Norman for over 22 years and currently works as a group lead at AlphaBEST, an after-school program that partners with Norman Public Schools. According to his campaign website, Shepherd is primarily focused on alleviating affordability issues, increasing access to SoonerCare and addressing problems in the state’s education system.
Womack-Bielich is a Norman resident. She recently signed a pledge showing support for congressional term limits. The OU Daily could not find additional information about Womack-Bielich’s campaign.
Menz and Shepherd will face off in the June 16 Democratic primary elections. The winner will face Womack-Bielich in the Nov. 3 general election.
Incumbent Democratic Reps. Jared Deck and Jacob Rosecrants are running unopposed.
Deck has represented House District 44 since 2022. Deck is an award-winning musician and business owner who has advocated for higher pay for teachers, tenant rights and the expansion and affordability of health care.
Deck wrote on a Facebook post on April 3 that he was grateful to continue his work as a representative.
“As your State Rep, I’ve maintained that mentality and worked to keep my word of prioritizing human interests over special interests, …” Deck wrote. “Actions speak louder than words, and your trust encourages me to keep fighting!”
Rosecrants has lived in Norman for over 30 years and has served as the House District 46 representative since 2017. Before his election, he taught social studies at middle and high schools. Rosecrants has focused on strengthening public schools, increasing public safety and raising awareness for mental health issues.
Rosecrants wrote in a Facebook post on April 3 that he expected to have a contested election.
“Thank you HD 46...for choosing me to represent y’all for another 2 years at the Cap! …” Rosecrants wrote. “To HD 46 folks who haven’t or won’t ever vote for me: I’m your state representative…so please reach out if I can ever assist…your political affiliation will never be a barrier with me.”
Sen. Mary Boren (D-Norman) is running unopposed for the Senate District 16 seat.
Boren was first elected in 2018 and reelected in 2022. Boren has advocated for classroom funding, worker compensation and mental health and medical services for students.
Cleveland County District Attorney Jennifer Austin is also running for reelection to District 21 unopposed. The district represents Cleveland, Garvin and McClain counties.
Austin was appointed to the position by Gov. Kevin Stitt upon the retirement of Greg Mashburn on March 1, 2025.
Austin was born and raised in Norman and is a Norman High School alum. She earned a bachelor’s degree in political science from Oklahoma State University and her juris doctorate from Oklahoma City University School of Law in 1998.
Austin wrote in a Thursday press release that she was honored to continue to serve in the position for four more years.
“Serving as your District Attorney is the privilege of a lifetime that I take very seriously,” Austin wrote. “Thank you for your trust and confidence in me. I remain committed to working hard every day on behalf of our community and building on the progress we’ve made together.”
This story was edited by Audrey McClour. Mary Ann Livingood copy edited this story.
