Democrat Wins Traditional Republican State House Seat

It's been a while since Oklahoma Democrats have had something to cheer about, but an historic victory has given them just such an opportunity.

Cyndi Munson, 30, is a Democrat who, most recently, worked as a community outreach specialist for the Girl Scouts, won the open seat in House District 85, a traditionally Republican stronghold.

"We House Democrats are exceedingly happy and proud to welcome Cyndi Ann Munson to our caucus," state House Minority Leader Rep. Scott Inman said.

Inman, D-Oklahoma City, acknowledged in a news release that Munson's victory ends a long string of frustrating defeats for Democrats.

"[Munson's] election success is evidence that a high-quality candidate focused on improving public education, health care, and Oklahoma's infrastructure, and presenting that message in a thoughtful manner, and not by hyper partisan rhetoric -- can in fact resonate with voters," Inman said.

The seat in northwest Oklahoma City, created in 1965, has never been held by a Democrat. Gov. Mary Fallin held the seat in the early 1990s, before she became Lt. Governor.

For the last 20 years, the seat was in the hands of a Dank. First, Odilia Dank, and then, after term limits forced her out, her husband David. But David Dank died unexpectedly in April, setting up Tuesday's special election.

Munson had run against Dank in 2014, getting a respectable 44 percent of the vote. She did even better yesterday.

Polling results, which must still be certified, show Munson receiving almost 54 percent of the vote in defeating Republican Chip Carter.

The Lawton native said working for the Girl Scouts played a big role in her decision to run and fuels her passion to improve education.

"My experience growing up in public education and then my work with the Girl Scouts of Western Oklahoma gave me a really great view of what's happening in our education system, and how important it is to invest in education," Munson said Wednesday.

Munson said, if nothing else, she showed voters in District 85 that she has perseverance. She says she also has a very positive attitude and believes parties can work together to get things done that matter.

"I always hear people say that I bring a breath of fresh air to their doorstep so that's my plan, to bring that to the Capitol," Munson said.

Munson looks forward to working across party lines. She will have to, if she wants to get anything done, because even with this victory, Republicans still hold 71 of the 101 seats in the House.