As the election approaches, one of the big questions is whether many of the educators running for the Oklahoma Legislature for the first time will win or lose.
These candidates, part of the so-called “teachers’ caucus,” jumped into the race saying they were fed up with low teacher salaries and wanted more funding for schools. In this Oklahoma Watch radio report, Brad Gibson spotlights the campaigns of three of these political rookies.
The more than two dozen candidates, mostly Democrats but also some Republicans, don’t necessarily agree on the best way to increase education funding, but argue that common education should be a top priority for policymakers. That is a similar message from many voters. A recent SoonerPoll survey found that a majority of Oklahoma voters consider education one of the three most important issues in the state.
It’s unclear whether many ‘teacher caucus’ candidates will win House or Senate seats on Nov. 8. Some say that at least they want to rock the status quo and raise awareness that the quality of public education is critical for children and the state’s future.
Oklahoma Watch EXTRA
“Teachers’ caucus” candidates talk about their motives for running and thoughts on issues and expectations.
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