(Editor’s note: In our #HotRace series, NonDoc seeks to provide a digest of candidate information that filters publicly available resources. The following candidate profiles serve as a preliminary resource for voters to conduct their own research.)
With eight years remaining before he terms out of the Oklahoma Legislature, Rep. George Young (D-OKC) is leaving his House District 99 seat to run for Senate District 48. Four Democrats are running to fill his now-open House seat.
The HD 99 #HotRace contains candidates with deep ties to the community. Ajay Pittman, daughter of current District 48 Sen. Anastasia Pittman (D-OKC), grew up in HD 99 and attended Northeast Health Science & Engineering Academy. Nkem House comes from three generations of Douglass High School graduates and volunteers at the school. Steve Davis has initiated numerous community-building initiatives.
The primary will be held June 26. A runoff-primary will be held August 28 between the top two vote-getters if no candidate receives more than 50 percent of the popular vote. There will be no general election for HD 99.
House District 99 in brief
- Outgoing office holder: Rep. George Young
- ZIP codes represented: 73102, 73104, 73105, 73111, 73114, 73116, 73117, 73118, 73120, 73121, 73129, 73134
- Counties represented: Oklahoma
- Townships represented: Nichols Hills, Oklahoma City
Candidates appear in alphabetical order. Photos and content have been taken from publicly available resources.
Steve Davis (D)
Profession:Â Founder and CEO of Believe, Inc.
Experience: Worked as a state director of a pediatric literacy program and as chaplain for the Oklahoma City Hornets during their relocation.
Platform:Â Davis’ website identifies the need for an “Educational Civil Rights Agenda” that would ensure every citizen’s right to a “free and appropriate public education.” He emphasizes the need to support students in poverty. His website also identifies criminal justice reform as a key issue. He suggests that expanding alternative sentencing programs, such as drug courts, community sentencing and mental health courts, could alleviate Oklahoma’s overcrowded prisons.
Links: Website | Facebook | Twitter
Nkem House (D)
Profession:Â Attorney at Rhone & Assoc., L.L.C.
Experience:Â Alumni of Leadership Oklahoma City, served on the board of directors for Big Brothers Big Sisters of Oklahoma, moot court coach for Douglass High School moot court team.
Platform:Â House’s website identifies education as his top priority and says he supports increased funding for public schools. He believes economic development is the “key to improving the resources and opportunities for jobs in our community.”
Links: Website | Facebook | Twitter
Ajay Pittman (D)
Profession:Â Founder of the Global Millennial Project, an organization that provides lifeskill resources and education for millennials.
Experience:Â Longtime volunteer for community events, political campaigns and social campaigns.
Platform:Â Pittman identifies her focus issues as housing, education, health care, criminal justice reform, senior citizens, equality for women and economic sustainability.
Links:Â Website |Â Facebook |Â Twitter
Crentha Sequoya Turner (D)
Profession:Â Supervisor at the Oklahoma Department of Human Services
Experience:Â Owner of Sequoya’s Diary, a bookmark seller
Platform: A blog post describing the shooting of a pit bull on Turner’s website expresses her support for the Second Amendment, however the website was taken down Monday afternoon. Earlier in the day, Turner’s blog contained 34 posts. While some expressed support for Colin Kaepernick, 24 of them were titled, “Dear Seahawks,” and showed her fervent support of the Seattle-based NFL team.
Links: Website | Twitter
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