Senator Anastasia Pittman Breaks Barriers In Lt. Gov. Race

www.theoklahomaeagle.net

By Louis Gray

Voter turnout was greater this election cycle than it was for the 2016 presidential election, fueled no doubt by the enthusiasm for State Question 788 and a hunger for change for leaders who support education. This may be the perfect storm that propelled State Senator Anastasia A. Pittman to victory for the Democrat nomination for Lt. Governor for the state of Oklahoma in Tuesday’s election.

While she represents a district closer to Oklahoma City than Tulsa, she has strong and historical roots in northeast Oklahoma. Pittman is the great-granddaughter of Abner Burnett, Tulsa Race Riot survivor, and granddaughter of the late Jazz Hall of Famer, C.E Pittman.

Pittman talked to The Oklahoma Eagle about her historic victory. She said she wasn’t sure but she may be the first African American to win her party’s nomination for a state-wide race. A race she contributed to “grace and mercy.” She said a variety of factors led to her razor-thin victory but “my message resonated with the desire for education and its role in economic development.” Pittman said business will invest in our state when they see the state invest in education. She also credits her victory to her extensive local and international background in business and education.

She also points to better healthcare as a key component to improving the state of Oklahoma. She said, “sick people need to learn and sick people don’t earn.” She said that understanding is what businesses are looking for in state government.

Pittman is also a proud member of the Seminole Nation. She has not only served as the Black Caucus chairman, she held chairmanship for the Native American Caucus. She said she follows in the footsteps of for State Senator Enoch Kelly Haney. Haney made a vigorous run for Governor and eventually was elected as Chief of the Seminole Nation. Pittman is also the Vice-Chair of the National Caucus of Native American Legislators. She also holds national posts with the Black Caucus. She said she was happy to see so many Native Americans run for office in the state of Oklahoma this week. There were 30 Native American candidates running and some are still running after yesterday’s results. She said the tribe’s $792 million yearly contribution to the state economy is important and it should be strengthened. The state would be hard pressed replacing those revenues. Roads, bridges and thousands of jobs spring out of the 39 federally recognized tribes that call Oklahoma their home

Pittman said Oklahoma needs to pull together all sectors to work toward a better future and that she wants to be a part of the process. Because she won over 50 percent of the vote, Pittman will not have another election until the November election.