Aaron Brent

Aaron Brent was born in Oklahoma. He earned a high school diploma from Chouteau High School, a bachelor's degree from Northeastern State University in 2009, and a graduate degree from Louisiana State University in 2014.[1][2]

Who are you? Tell us about yourself.

I am a former public school teacher, a husband, and a father of two.

Please list below 3 key messages of your campaign. What are the main points you want voters to remember about your goals for your time in office?

Oklahoma ranks last or near last in almost every educational category. We are failing our students, our teachers, and the future of our communities. Public education is the foundation for improving our state, not just now, but also in the long run. We must insure that our public educators and support staff get increased pay to keep them in our state and in the field of education. They must also receive our trust and support to teach the subjects in which they are qualified.I will fight for the protection, affirmation, equity, and inclusion of all Oklahomans regardless of race, gender, orientation, identity, creed, religion, origin, etc. No Oklahoman should have to live in fear because of who they are. Our laws must reflect that.Oklahoma now ranks as the worst state for child food insecurity. Many Oklahomans are living paycheck to paycheck and grocery prices only continue to rise under decades of Republican leadership. Regular Oklahomans need an economy that works for them and not just as tax incentives for big out-of-state companies.

What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?

My focus will be on education, healthcare, civil rights, and supporting small businesses,

What characteristics or principles are most important for an elected official?

Authenticity, honesty, transparency, and empathy.

What do you believe are the core responsibilities for someone elected to this office?

This office must serve the well being of the district it represents and the state of Oklahoma.

Who are you? Tell us about yourself.

I am a simple Oklahoman family man who has spent most of my life in Northeast Oklahoma. I love my city, state, and country but I want to make them better. I am a former educator at both the junior high and high school level. I am a student of history and received my B.A. from Northeastern State University in Tahlequah. I received my M.S. in Kinesiology from Louisiana State University.

Please list below 3 key messages of your campaign. What are the main points you want voters to remember about your goals for your time in office?

I'm running to represent all the people of my district. I am not beholden to a political party or whatever their current leader believes will get the most news coverage. I want to represent everyone and make all of our lives better, not just attempt to solidify party power. I am happy to listen to differing thoughts and opinions in my community to do what's in the best interest of my district. I am not angling for higher office with the support of big party donors. I simply want to be a voice, unencumbered by current divisive party control, for my all people in my district regardless of age, race/ethnicity, religious/political beliefs, and sexual orientation/identity.Education is the building block for our communities. I will fight tirelessly to protect and improve education in my district and my state. I will fight against corrupt leadership at the state level and against state sponsored enforcement of religious and political censorship and whitewashing. Public education will dictate the future of our entire state and I want to fight for it.Our communities should not be worried about the rights and safeties that they may lose based on which party wins. I want to protect the rights of women, Indigenous peoples, racial/ethnic minorities, the 2SLGBTQIA+ community, children, and all others. I will fight for the rights of all residents of this district and this state.

What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?

Education and ensuring equal rights are my top priorities and I believe they go hand in hand. Public education should not be about ensuring that students of western European descent feel proud of every historical moment in our state and nation's history. We must include the good and the bad (and the horrendous) moments in order to learn from. We need to celebrate differing ideas because they help us grow even if we disagree. In education and in public policy we need perspectives from varying backgrounds, beliefs, and experiences because they belong to members of our communities.

What qualities do you possess that you believe would make you a successful officeholder?

I can communicate professionally, respectfully, but also passionately with people from all different backgrounds and belief systems. Critical thinking is extremely important to me and I believe it flourishes more outside the confines of political parties.

What legacy would you like to leave?

I want to leave a legacy of hope and compassion. I want the people in my life and the people I hope to serve to feel seen and heard.

What do you perceive to be your state's greatest challenges over the next decade?

A single party has had a stranglehold on our state for years to the point where most local races are unopposed. This cannot be representative of an entire state if anyone outside of this party feels unheard. It has driven us to some of the lowest percentage voter turnouts in the U.S. in recent years.

Are you interested in running for a different political office (for example, the U.S. Congress or governor) in the future?

No. My focus is not on a political career. I want to represent my district and my state and to maintain my focus on what serves them best. Career politicians focus the majority of their elected-office-time campaigning for the next election in an never-ending loop that helps nobody but themselves. My focus is on my duty and oath to serve the people.

What organizations or individuals have endorsed your campaign?

GoodParty.org