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N'Kiyla Jasmine Thomas Senate campaign
Archived — this story has rotated out of today’s deck. It is kept here in full.
The gist
Nurse N'Kiyla Jasmine Thomas wins Oklahoma Senate Democratic primary runoff, defeating Jim Priest. She faces Republican Kevin Hern in November, a heavy underdog in a solidly red state.
Background
Oklahoma's Democratic Senate primary went to a runoff after no candidate won a majority in June. Thomas, a 31-year-old nurse and member of the Chickasaw Nation, defeated attorney Jim Priest despite being outspent. She now faces Republican Rep. Kevin Hern in the general election for the seat vacated by Markwayne Mullin, who became Secretary of Homeland Security. Oklahoma has not elected a Democrat to the Senate since David Boren left in 1994.
How it unfolded
- Jun 2026Thomas leads the initial primary with 45% of the vote; Priest trails at about 24%, forcing a runoff.
- Aug 25, 2026Thomas wins the runoff, becoming Oklahoma's first democratic socialist nominee for U.S. Senate.
- Nov 2026Thomas will face Republican Kevin Hern in the general election.
Who’s saying what
- Support
- Thomas's campaign emphasizes Medicare for All, universal childcare, and restoring Roe v. Wade, appealing to working families.
- Caution
- Analysts note Oklahoma's solidly Republican electorate and Thomas's massive financial disadvantage, making her a heavy underdog.