Watch What Happens the Moment Oklahoma Democrats Choose New Leadership

This weekend I attended the Oklahoma Democratic Party’s 2025 state convention in Broken Arrow. Across two days of speeches, votes, and real-time debates, what stood out to me most was the optimism.

At a time when so many across the country—especially Democrats—are struggling to hold onto hope as Trump guts public institutions, Oklahoma Democrats appeared to be focused, organized, and clear-eyed. They’ve been facing uphill battles for years, often under a Republican supermajority. And yet, this convention didn’t feel defeated. It felt grounded. Like a party that has learned some hard but necessary lessons.

Now, as the rest of the country begins to face the kind of political conditions Oklahomans have long endured, it’s clear many inside the ODP believe it’s time to evolve. And this weekend showed just how seriously delegates are taking that challenge.

Photo from Fox23

Saturday's "Fight Back Luncheon" brought bold, unapologetic voices to the stage.

Tennessee State Rep. Justin J. Pearson, known for his impassioned speeches and defiance of far-right politics, called on Oklahoma Democrats to meet this moment with courage. Tamya Cox-Touré of ACLU Oklahoma underscored the threat to civil liberties across the state, while Heather Rahhal Palascios of Planned Parenthood Great Plains emphasized the urgency of defending reproductive rights.

Texas Congressman Al Green, who made national headlines after being censured for disrupting Trump’s anti-Medicaid speech earlier this year, reminded attendees that resistance must go hand-in-hand with policy.

"The Fight Back luncheon was just what was needed to fuel the fight against authoritarianism, tyranny, corruption and more," wrote activist D'Marria Monday on Facebook. "Congressman Al Green had his famous cane to drive it home. Ohio State Representative Justin Pearson was a passionate speaker whose style echoes both Dr. King and Malcolm X."

Michelle Deatrick, Chair of the DNC’s Climate Council, warned of the growing politicization of federal emergency response systems, especially in frontline communities.

“Just Tuesday, the DOD stopped reporting the key data hurricane forecasters need,” Deatrick told The Black Wall Street Times. “They are still collecting it, but they aren’t going to report it. It’s cruel. It’s reckless. And it’s just stupid.”

Delegates reject e-voting, elect Waldron in decisive leadership shift

By Sunday, the energy shifted. Delegates debated a proposal to introduce partial electronic voting in an effort to speed up the process. After lengthy discussion, they shot it down. The message was clear: delegates wanted transparency and fairness, even if it meant a longer day.

Then came the chair election. I was live on social media as the count came in.

In a three-way contest, State Rep. John Waldron of Tulsa was elected Chair of the Oklahoma Democratic Party, unseating incumbent Alicia Andrews, who made history in 2019 as the party’s first Black woman chair. Waldron, a former public school teacher and the current representative for District 77, won decisively with 321 votes (56.2%). Andrews followed with 139 votes (24.4%), and labor organizer Kevin Dawson earned 100 votes (17.5%).

Waldron’s win, secured on the first ballot, wasn’t just about personalities—it reflected a growing appetite within the party for deeper organizing, more accessibility, and a stronger challenge to Republican control.

“This was a team effort, as our mission to take back Oklahoma will be a team effort,” Waldron said in his first remarks as Chair. “Together we will rebuild the Democratic coalition. Together we will fight for racial justice, good public schools for everyone, for healthcare, and for human rights. We will take the fight to Ryan Walters and the forces of Christian Nationalism.”

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Andrews reflects on legacy—and what comes next

While her defeat was decisive, Alicia Andrews leaves office with a legacy that reshaped the party’s financial and cultural foundations. During her six-year tenure, Andrews eliminated long-standing debt, launched a statewide rural outreach tour, and helped pull off the record-breaking Carl Albert Dinner of 2025.

In a statement shared with The Black Wall Street Times, she reflected on her time in leadership:

“While the election did not go my way, I am incredibly proud of what we accomplished during my tenure,” Andrews said. “As a sixth-generation Oklahoman and a die-hard Democrat, I remain committed to the success of the Oklahoma Democratic Party. I wish Chairman Waldron and his team the very best as they lead us into this next chapter.”

With a new chair in place, the question now is whether the party can transform its energy into real momentum. Delegates are demanding not only structural change but cultural transformation—where the voices of grassroots organizers, communities of color, and younger progressives are not just heard but centered. The question now is whether Waldron can unify the party around shared goals and convert convention energy into electoral momentum.

One thing is certain: Oklahoma Democrats aren’t interested in business as usual. They’re ready to fight forward.

If my words resonated with you—if you saw something in this moment worth holding on to—consider supporting my work:

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