N’Kiyla Jasmine Thomas, a nurse and first-time political candidate, has secured a victory in the Democratic Senate primary runoff in Oklahoma, defeating Jim Priest, a lawyer and nonprofit executive. This positions her to challenge the Republican nominee in a state that has not elected a Democrat to the Senate in over thirty years.
During the primary race in June, which included five candidates, Thomas won the most votes, showcasing her appeal as a new political figure. If successful in the November election, she plans to focus on impeaching President Donald Trump early in her Senate career.
Thomas shared her determination in an interview with NPR affiliate KOSU, stating, “I will work as diligently as I can to make sure that within my first 100 days that we impeach, remove and convict.” She emphasized her commitment by saying, “They will have to pry that pen out of my cold, dead hands before I go any further with allowing this administration to continue doing what they’re doing.”
In addition to her main goal of impeachment, Thomas advocates for several policy proposals such as increasing teacher pay, restoring Roe v. Wade, and expanding Obamacare, aligning with standard Democratic positions.
Thomas faces a formidable opponent in Rep. Kevin Hern, a Republican backed by President Trump. Hern’s campaign has raised nearly $10 million, while Thomas’s funding totals just under $60,000. Trump’s endorsement further strengthens Hern’s position as he promotes the president’s SAVE America Act.
Hern expressed confidence in his alignment with Oklahoma voters, stating to Fox News Digital, “Oklahomans love President Trump and the America First Agenda.” He criticized Thomas and her party, saying they were more focused on partisan actions than on aligning with the state’s values.
Thomas’s success in the primary reflects her ability to defy expectations as a political newcomer. However, whether she can challenge the political landscape in such a conservative state remains uncertain as the election approaches.