Tulsa, OKLAHOMA – In a competitive four-way Democratic Primary, Amanda Clinton secured more than 51 percent of the vote, placing first and advancing to the General Election on May 13th.
"Thank you to the voters of House District 71 for putting your trust in me. Thank you to everyone who knocked on doors, talked to their neighbors, and invested in my campaign," Clinton said. "I've had a passion for public service my entire life, and when elected, I will not take my duties lightly. My parents, a self-employed general contractor and a classroom teacher of 53 years, raised me and my three sisters with the values of fairness, integrity and honesty. Nothing has been handed to me. Anything I've achieved has been through hard work, perseverance, determination, and the support of my community. I look forward to bringing these values, work ethic, and passion for getting things done to the citizens of Oklahoma House District 71."
Amanda, a Brookside resident for the last two decades and a Cherokee Nation citizen, credits her upbringing in rural Oklahoma, a quality public education, and Cherokee Nation services for her success. A former journalist, Clinton spent 15 years at the Cherokee Nation and Cherokee Nation Businesses, rising from an entry-level role to an executive position. While working for the Cherokee Nation, she earned three Emmys for creating and producing Osiyo, Voices of the Cherokee People on PBS. Now, she owns and manages two small businesses, a real estate company and a firm consulting Tribal governments and Native-owned and woman-owned businesses and organizations.
An OSU graduate and adjunct professor, Amanda's work on multiple boards like Planned Parenthood of the Great Plains, the Oklahoma Hall of Fame, the National Native American Hall of Fame, Arts Alliance Tulsa, and the OSU Foundation Board of Governors reflect her dedication to public service and the community.
In filing for the vacant House District 71 seat nine weeks ago, Amanda says she was driven by her belief that people deserve better from their government. She believes that the government should serve our communities by investing in people and that hoarding resources while Oklahomans struggle is a failure of leadership.
"Being raised in the Cherokee Nation and working for my Tribe and other Tribes showed me what governments that serve people look like, and it doesn't look like the state of Oklahoma," Clinton said. "From Ryan Walters shortchanging public school students and educators to inequitable health care for women, elders and disadvantaged populations, to workers deprived of the opportunity to retire with dignity, Oklahomans are being neglected and left behind by their government. Despite a $4 billion surplus, Oklahoma ranks first in child poverty and last in education and health outcomes. This is a failure of Governor Kevin Stitt, Ryan Walters and Republican leadership."
During the primary, Tulsa Mayor Monroe Nichols was among the endorsements Amanda Clinton earned, highlighting her leadership, advocacy and dedication to the community. Clinton served as communications director for Mayor Nichols' historic campaign and subsequent 2024 election.
"Amanda Clinton's deep relationships in Indian Country and across both rural and urban areas will make her an incredible asset to Tulsa in the state legislature. Having served eight years in the legislature, I know the importance of having leaders at the State Capitol with Tulsa's interests at heart. Amanda's broad experience, matched with her ability to foster collaboration, build strategic partnerships, and navigate complex issues, will serve Tulsa well," Mayor Nichols said. "Amanda is a pragmatic fighter who has what it takes to represent House District 71 and is the type of leader who will move Tulsa forward."
Amanda also earned the endorsement and support of Planned Parenthood Great Plains Votes, Tulsa Firefighters, IBEW Local #584, United Steelworkers District 13, Advance Native Political Leadership, former Tulsa Mayor Kathy Taylor, former HD 71 Representative Denise Brewer, and former State Senator Judy Eason McIntyre.
A Democratic woman has represented House District 71 since former State Representative Denise Brewer flipped the seat in 2018. 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.
ZIP Codes represented by HD 71 are 74105, 74114, 74119, 74120, 74127, 74136, and 74137. The next election is the general election on May 13.
Learn more about Amanda Clinton and her priorities by visiting amandaforoklahoma.com
