Progressive activist N’kiyla Jasmine Thomas wins Oklahoma Democratic Senate primary runoff

Oklahoma nurse and activist N’kiyla Jasmine Thomas secured a Democratic Senate primary runoff victory Tuesday, defeating centrist Jim Priest in a win that continues a trend of progressive successes in the solidly conservative state. The Associated Press called the race, a sequel to the state's June primary, shortly after polls closed, with Thomas leading Priest by nearly 20 percentage points.

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Just taking out the trash.

Thomas campaigned on an anti-AIPAC platform, repeatedly vowing to reject funds from the influential pro-Israel lobby. She posted a social media video in November showing her discarding a trash bin labeled "AIPAC Funds" and "Corporate PAC Funds," calling them "garbage." Thomas clarified that her concerns are not with Jewish people or Israel's existence, but rather with the broader role of money, lobbying, and special interests in politics.

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I am a sole grassroots candidate. And we are not accepting AIPAC or corporate PAC funds. It’s garbage.

While both Thomas and Priest acknowledged a "genocide" in Gaza during a recent debate, Priest linked the term to Israel's actions, whereas Thomas directed it at Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Thomas, a citizen of the Chickasaw Nation, identifies with socialist policies and prioritizes women's health, civil rights, and LGBT protections. Despite her progressive platform, both she and Priest are considered longshots in November's general election in a state that has not elected a Democrat to the Senate in over three decades. Their Republican opponent, Rep. Kevin Hern, has secured President Donald Trump's endorsement.

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When I discuss political influence or organizations, my focus is on the broader role of money, lobbying, and special interests in our political system, not on any one religion or community.