Full Breakdown
N’Kiyla Jasmine Thomas Wins Oklahoma Democratic Senate Nomination
8/26/2026, 4:09:51 AM
Primary Victory Details
In a runoff held in late August, nurse and Chickasaw Nation member N’Kiyla Jasmine Thomas secured the Democratic nomination for the open U.S. Senate seat in Oklahoma. With more than 60 % of the vote counted, Thomas outperformed 70-year-old attorney and minister Jim Priest. The win follows a June 16 primary in which Thomas led a five-candidate field with roughly 44 % of the vote, while no contender achieved a majority, triggering the runoff.
Background & Context
The Senate seat became vacant when former Sen. Markwayne Mullin joined the Department of Homeland Security. Oklahoma has not elected a Democrat to the Senate since the mid-1990s, and the state voted for President Donald Trump by a 34-point margin in 2024. Thomas’ victory adds to a recent wave of Democratic-socialist primary successes in other states, including Florida and Michigan.
Data & Statistics
- Campaign spending: Priest’s campaign reported $315,000 spent, compared with $57,000 reported by Thomas’s campaign (Federal Election Commission filings).
- Cash on hand: By early August, Thomas’s campaign account held roughly $456, whereas Rep. Kevin Hern—the Republican nominee—had $2.6 million on hand as of June 30.
- Vote share: Thomas captured over 60 % of the runoff vote; Priest’s share fell below 40 %.
Official Statements & Responses
Republican Rep.
Verbatim Quotes
- “The system right now doesn’t work for us and it never has,” — N’Kiyla Jasmine Thomas “The system right now doesn’t work for us and it never has,” — Kiyla Jasmine Thomas
- “Capitalism is what’s destroying our country right now,” — N’Kiyla Jasmine Thomas “Capitalism is what’s destroying our country right now,” — Kiyla Jasmine Thomas
- “Like I said, I'm kind, not nice. So I will make sure that I work as diligently as I can to make sure that within my first 100 days that we impeach, remove and convict,” — N’Kiyla Jasmine Thomas “Like I said, I'm kind, not nice. So I will make sure that I work as diligently as I can to make sure that within my first 100 days that we impeach, remove and convict,” — Kiyla Jasmine Thomas
- “Socialist Democrats like N’Kiyla Jasmine Thomas are wildly out of touch with the values of Oklahomans and the direction they want our country moving toward,” — Rep. Kevin Hern “Socialist Democrats like N’Kiyla Jasmine Thomas are wildly out of touch with the values of Oklahomans and the direction they want our country moving toward,” — Rep. Kevin Hern
What’s Next
Thomas will face Rep. Kevin Hern in the November general election. The race will test whether a self-identified democratic socialist can overcome the state’s strong Republican lean and the substantial fundraising gap that currently favors the GOP nominee. Both campaigns are expected to intensify outreach as the election approaches.
