Tom Guild (D)

Education: Bartlesville, Sooner High School; Political Science B.A., Spanish minor, University of Oklahoma; J.D., Southern Methodist University School of Law

Hometown: Edmond, OK

What is your reason for running? "I am running for Congress to secure the fifth district house seat for Oklahoma's stressed working and middle class. We need to protect Social Security and expand benefits; preserve Medicare and secure adequate funding to strengthen the program; support public education, including Pell Grants and Stafford Loans for college students; honor our commitment to America's veterans; and make government work for all people by helping those who need a hand up and helping to make their American Dream come true.

"I promise not to shut down the government or engage in reckless public behavior that keeps our government from assisting the American people. The government needs to work to solve the problems of the American people, not to make their lives more difficult.

"Together we will bring reasonable, effective, and inclusive representation to our district. We ask you to join us and continue to fight to protect the 90% of people in our district who have not been represented in Washington for too long."

Why should Oklahomans vote for you? "There are crucial issues facing the country that are vitally important to the fifth district that are currently not being satisfactorily addressed. We need someone who will find practical solutions to our nation's challenges, and not bring ideological rigidity to every issue. We need solutions that strengthen and serve the interests of the middle class and the working class.

"Together, we can elect a new congressman, who is interested, is solving our nation's problems, and not just furthering his own narrow ideological agenda. Together, we can find practical solutions to our nation's challenges, and strengthen our middle class and our working class, and thereby strengthen our state and our nation and the American people."

What is your political experience?
Democratic Nominee for the United States House of Representatives in Oklahoma's District 5 receiving 97,504 in 2012, the most votes received by a Democrat in 22 years, and the second most votes for a Democrat in the history of the fifth congressional district.

Delegate from Oklahoma to the Democratic National Convention 2012

Secretary Oklahoma County Democratic Party 2009—2011

Professor of Political Science University of Central Oklahoma 1979—1989