OKLAHOMA CITY — Former Oklahoma Teacher of the Year and nonprofit leader Jena Nelson announced Friday that she will run for Congress in Oklahoma’s 5th District, aiming to unseat Republican incumbent Stephanie Bice in the 2024 election.

Nelson, who previously ran for State Superintendent of Public Instruction in 2022, said her campaign will focus on economic issues, healthcare access, and protections for Social Security, Medicare and Medicaid.

“It’s simply too expensive for everyday Oklahomans to live right now,” Nelson said in a statement. She cited rising costs in groceries, housing and insurance as key concerns, alongside what she described as insufficient federal leadership.

Nelson has worked in education for over 16 years and was named Oklahoma’s Teacher of the Year in 2020. She later transitioned into nonprofit and corporate leadership roles, most recently serving as acting executive director and director of programs for the Oklahoma Faith Network.

Her campaign platform also includes support for veterans’ healthcare and national security. Nelson criticized recent votes in Congress that she said reduced essential services for low-income Oklahomans, including Medicaid.

A resident of Edmond, Nelson has been married for 21 years and has two children. She holds a background in small business ownership and public service. During her 2022 statewide campaign, she received more votes than any other Democrat on the ballot.

The 5th Congressional District, which includes much of Oklahoma County and surrounding areas, is currently represented by Rep. Stephanie Bice, a Republican first elected in 2020.

More information about Nelson’s campaign is available at JenaNelson.com.

Links to local Oklahoma news coverage:

• Jena Nelson announces her campaign for U.S. Congress (The Oklahoman)

• Jena Nelson launches campaign for 5th district of Congress (News 9)