Platform

Party Platform

Healthcare

Rural Healthcare- We strongly support increased funding and robust government backing for rural hospitals—especially as our county hospital stands on the verge of closure with any further healthcare cuts. We firmly oppose reductions to Medicaid, as such cuts would disproportionately harm rural communities. Every Oklahoman deserves affordable access to quality healthcare, regardless of where they live.

Reproductive Rights-Women have the right to access comprehensive medical care, particularly in Oklahoma, which ranks among the worst states for maternal mortality. We oppose extreme legislation that strips women of the right to choose—even in cases of rape or incest. These deeply personal decisions should be made within a woman’s faith, family, and conscience—not dictated by the government.

Sooner Care and Medicaid- As many as 174,000 Oklahomans are expected to lose SoonerCare due to the consequences of the “Big Beautiful Bill Act” passed by Republicans and the Trump Administration. We are deeply committed to funding SoonerCare and Medicaid because these programs serve our most vulnerable citizens. Without them, thousands will be left scrambling for life-saving treatment.

Education

Public Education-Oklahoma ranks 49th in education under a Republican supermajority—an alarming statistic that reflects years of underinvestment. We oppose school voucher programs, which divert public tax dollars to private institutions. This form of “school choice” undermines public education and fuels inequity, giving unfair advantages to private schools. Public and private schools should not compete in OSSAA-sanctioned events when championships are on the line, as it tilts the playing field. Every child deserves access to information and education. Teachers should be empowered to teach state-approved curriculum using the best resources available—even if that includes so-called “banned books.”

School Bond Measures-We fully support school bond measures that uplift communities and invigorate local economies. These investments boost morale among students and educators alike. Children in rural Oklahoma deserve updated, welcoming facilities that promote meaningful learning experiences—not crumbling classrooms.

Ryan Walter’s Attack on Education-We strongly disagree with the harmful rhetoric and targeted attacks by Superintendent Ryan Walters, especially those aimed at teachers in rural districts. Public education is the cornerstone of innovation, business development, and a thriving future. To move forward, we must prioritize the education of all students, regardless of geography or income level.

Teacher Pay and School Funding-We stand firmly behind fair and equitable pay for Oklahoma’s educators. Teachers are skilled professionals who deserve respect, support, and competitive wages. When schools are properly funded, students benefit—from new learning opportunities to cultural experiences they might otherwise miss. These benefits should not be exclusive to private institutions or wealthier areas; they belong in rural classrooms too.

Department of Education-We oppose efforts by the Trump administration to dismantle the U.S. Department of Education. While we question a “one-size-fits-all” approach, eliminating the department would create wide disparities between states—especially ones like Oklahoma that already face funding shortages. Without federal standards, states may deprioritize education altogether. Vulnerable students—those with IEPs or 504 plans—are most at risk of falling through the cracks without sufficient oversight and support.

Rural Way of Life

Small Business-Small businesses are the backbone of rural communities. We fully support legislation and fair regulations that empower small businesses to thrive in rural Oklahoma. These local enterprises drive our economies, support families, and preserve the character and resilience of our towns.

Rural Internet Access-Thanks to the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act championed by Democrats and President Biden, rural Oklahomans have gained transformative access to high-speed internet. We proudly support continued expansion of broadband services and the development of innovative infrastructure that meets the daily needs of our communities—from education and healthcare to commerce and connection.

Military

Keeping our Troops Safe-We believe in fully funding our armed forces to ensure the safety and readiness of those who serve. Our men and women in uniform deserve the best equipment, training, and support available. We oppose any unconstitutional military engagements that bypass congressional approval and unnecessarily place service members in harm’s way.

Supporting those who Serve-Every individual brave enough to serve their country deserves that opportunity—regardless of gender, sexual orientation, religion, or identity. We honor and appreciate their sacrifice. We support and encourage women in military leadership roles, recognizing that merit knows no gender boundaries. Inclusion strengthens our armed forces and reflects the values of a nation worth defending.

Cost of Living/Economy

Social Security-Social Security is NOT an entitlement, people have paid their entire working careers into social security. That is money that has been promised to them upon retirement and they are entitled to gain.

Middle Class-The Democratic Party stands with the working class and the middle-income families who keep our country running. The erosion of the middle class threatens the stability of our entire economy. Under the leadership of Donald Trump, the wealth gap has only widened—leaving middle-class Americans behind and amplifying economic inequality. Rebuilding and protecting the middle class is central to our economic vision.

Public Support Programs-We proudly support public programs that ensure children have access to education, nutritious food, and quality healthcare. These foundational resources aren’t just safety nets—they’re springboards for success. When families in poverty have a fighting chance, entire communities benefit. Investing in people is not charity—it’s smart economics and compassionate governance.

Social Issues

LGBTQIA+ Community-The government has no place in the private lives of individuals or in determining whom they choose to marry. Every person deserves to be treated with dignity, respect, and equality. With 39% of LGBTQIA+ youth seriously considering suicide, hateful rhetoric toward this community must be unequivocally condemned. Silence is complicity—protecting these youth means speaking up, educating, and fostering safe, inclusive spaces.

Gun Rights-We support the Second Amendment, but believe in common-sense regulations that help prevent mass shootings and gun violence. Tragically, mass shootings are now the leading cause of death among children in America. This crisis demands urgent attention and action. We advocate for background checks, red flag laws, and practical safeguards to protect our communities from preventable tragedies.

Climate Change-Climate change is a pressing and undeniable reality. We must leverage our greatest renewable asset—the sun—and commit to sustainable solutions. We support broad education about the damaging effects of climate change and the transition to cleaner, more responsible energy sources. Innovative energy isn’t just environmentally sound—it’s a smart economic opportunity for Oklahoma and the country at large.

Immigration-We support a fair, legal pathway to citizenship, recognizing that immigrants have long been the backbone of American society. We need comprehensive and humane immigration reform—not mass deportations or fear-based policies. The actions taken under the Trump Administration have proven to be both ineffective and inhumane. We also oppose Ryan Walters’ efforts to require birth certificates for school enrollment, a policy that unfairly targets immigrant families. Every child deserves access to quality education, regardless of immigration status.

Platform Made and agreed to by: Chairman Parker McClary, Vice Chairman Joy Maxwell, Treasurer/Reporter Mechelle Jordan, and Affirmative Action Officer Jessika Nolen on 7/15/2025 approved by Haskell County Democratic Party on (insert date).