Oklahoma City residents will decide on November 3 who will represent the state’s 5th Congressional District in Washington. The race features three candidates, but the primary contest is between Republican incumbent Rep. Stephanie Bice and Democratic challenger Jena Nelson. Both candidates sat down with KOCO to explain their priorities for the district.
Rep. Stephanie Bice: Continuing a record of family‑focused legislation
Since first winning the seat in 2020, Bice has highlighted her Oklahoma roots, saying, “I love representing the 5th District. I am a born and raised Oklahoma City girl.” She argues that her experience in Congress has allowed her to champion policies that make Oklahoma a better place to live, work, and raise a family.
Bice is now seeking her fourth term. Her top legislative goal is a paid family leave program. She noted that the United States is one of only seven developed nations without a national paid leave system, and she has drafted a proposal she calls “very reasonable” for both small businesses and larger employers. The plan would give new parents—whether adopting or giving birth—time off without jeopardizing a family’s livelihood.
In addition, Bice supports the “One, Big, Beautiful” Bill, which she says contains tax provisions that put families first. She frames the bill as a way to protect Oklahoma’s economic vitality while ensuring that working families receive the support they need.
Jena Nelson: A call for change and health‑care protection
Democratic candidate Jena Nelson, a former teacher and 2020 Oklahoma Teacher of the Year, is positioning herself as the alternative to the current administration in Washington. “Do I think Republicans will cross over and vote for me because they are tired of the economy, they’re tired of broken promises? Yes, I do think they will,” Nelson told KOCO.
Nelson’s first priority, should she win, is to overturn the One, Big, Beautiful Bill, which she argues “will cut so many things for so many people.” She also emphasized health‑care protection, condemning ongoing attacks on Medicaid as “absolutely criminal” and stressing that access to medication is a matter of caring for one’s neighbor.
Nelson’s platform centers on expanding health‑care access, supporting teachers, and providing economic relief to families who feel left behind by current policies.
What voters need to know
The 5th District covers much of Oklahoma City, making this race especially relevant to local families, small‑business owners, and educators. Voters should consider each candidate’s stance on paid family leave, tax policy, and health‑care access when heading to the polls on November 3.
Both candidates have pledged to put Oklahoma families first, but they differ sharply on how to achieve that goal. Bice argues for building on existing tax incentives and introducing a paid leave program, while Nelson seeks to roll back legislation she views as harmful and to protect Medicaid funding.
Local voters can find their polling place, request absentee ballots, and learn about early voting options through the Oklahoma State Election Board’s website. The race will be decided by Oklahomans who value strong families, faith‑based community values, and individual liberty.
Original reporting: Oklahoma City News Feed (HLL/CB) — read the source article.
