Former OKC Teacher Elected To State Office

In January, Mickey Dollens was still in the classroom at U.S. Grant High School teaching freshman English. Now at the end of the year, he’s been elected as Oklahoma State Representative for District 93.

“I’ve told my students that I’m definitely going to be a strong presence in the schools,” said Dollens.

He said he is making education a priority.

Dollens was teaching for almost two years, but, because of budget cuts, he and several other teachers in Oklahoma City were laid off.

Instead of giving up on his passion as an educator, Dollens said he turned his attention to running for state house to make difference that way.

“As a teacher, I feel like I definitely made a difference every day on my students’ lives. Now, I know I have the opportunity to make a broader impact for teachers and students across the state,” said Dollens.

Throughout his campaign, he knocked on a total of 20,000 doors.

Dollens ran as a Democrat and won the seat in a Republican state. He said he doesn’t want to be bound by party politics and hopes to blur those lines to do what is best for Oklahomans. Voters seemed to agree and voted him into office Tuesday night.

Dollens said in session, he wants to represent everyone in his district and in Oklahoma.

A total of 42 pro-education candidates won who were supported by the Oklahoma Parents And Educators For Public Education.