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Mauree Turner Becomes First Muslim Lawmaker in Oklahoma, First Nonbinary State Legislator In U.S.

Mauree Turner

Democratic candidateMauree Turner made history Tuesday in the race for Oklahoma’s House of Representatives for District 88, becoming the first Muslim lawmaker in the state and the first openly nonbinary state legislator in the U.S.

Turner received about 71% of the vote, defeating Republican candidate Kelly Barlean to represent House District 88, which covers a central area of Oklahoma City.  

Turner uses she/they pronouns and is nonbinary, meaning their gender identity is not strictly male or female. 

The 27-year-old and native Oklahoman has been a community organizer for most of their life and focused their campaigning on criminal justice reform, public education, expanding access to affordable health care and increasing the minimum wage.  

Turner, who is also Black and queer, says representation became an important part of their campaign. 

“It's about seeing yourself in those who make, interpret and enforce legislation that dictates our everyday lives,” Turner said. “It's about seeing that someone who makes those decisions about you cares about you, and that was what we did right here in House District 88.” 

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Katelyn discovered her love for radio as a student employee at KGOU, graduating from the University of Oklahoma with a bachelor’s degree in journalism, and then working as a reporter and producer in 2021-22. Katelyn has completed internships at SiriusXM in New York City and at local news organizations such as The Journal Record and The Poteau Daily News. Katelyn served as president of the OU chapter of the Society of Professional Journalists from 2017 to 2020. She grew up in Midland, Texas.
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