I know a lot of people in Oklahoma have stopped paying attention to politics.

Maybe you’re tired of the arguing. Maybe you don’t believe politicians listen. Maybe you’ve voted before and nothing seemed to change. I understand that. A lot of people feel the same way.

But this election matters because the decisions being made affect things you deal with every day: the cost of groceries, access to healthcare, the quality of our schools, the future of our small towns, and whether your children and grandchildren can afford to build a life here in Oklahoma.

You don’t have to follow politics every day to know when something isn’t working. You don’t have to agree with me on every issue to deserve a voice in the conversation. Democracy works best when ordinary people participate—not just the loudest voices, not just the people with money, and not just those who vote every election.

My hope is simple: before Election Day, take a look at the candidates. Ask questions. Pay attention. Decide who is fighting for the future you want to see. Then make your voice heard.

If you’ve never voted before, or if it’s been years since you’ve stepped into a voting booth, this is your invitation. Your vote is not just about politics. It’s about your family, your community, and the kind of Oklahoma we leave to the next generation.

The people in power count on ordinary people believing their voice doesn’t matter.

Let’s prove them wrong.