Shay White is looking to make history in Oklahoma, becoming the first woman -- and the first African-American -- to hold a seat in the state legislature. She hopes she can use her relatability to her advantage. “The biggest unifying factor is that I am a voter from my district,” White told Cheddar in an interview. “I live here, I shop here, I worship here, and I contribute here.” Like her potential constituents, White says, “sometimes I have to make a tough decision [of whether] I buy gasoline or groceries.” She says she wants to provide a voice to working families in her area. White is one of many women jumping into the electoral fray since 2016’s presidential elections. Nearly 400 are reportedly running for the U.S. House of Representatives this year -- the most in U.S. history -- and 22 are non-incumbent black women. But White’s campaign has nothing to do with that movement. She told Cheddar she’s wanted to run since age 12. The twenty-six-year-old elementary school mental health provider has a prevalent presence in her community. Besides being a woman’s rights supporter, the District 77 candidate holds a leadership position within Together Oklahoma, a grassroots education and advocacy group. For full interview [click here](https://cheddar.com/videos/the-womens-march-to-elected-office).

Share:
More In Politics
Biden Cheers Vaccine Progress but Says Masks Remain a Must
President-elect Joe Biden is cheering news about the promising development of a coronavirus vaccine, but cautioned Americans need to be aggressive about mask wearing and social distancing as infections continue to surge around the country.
Harris Becomes First Black Woman, South Asian Elected VP
Kamala Harris made history Saturday as the first Black woman elected as vice president of the United States, shattering barriers that have kept men — almost all of them white — entrenched at the highest levels of American politics for more than two centuries.
Biden on Cusp of Presidency After Gains in Pennsylvania
Democrat Joe Biden has overtaken President Donald Trump in Pennsylvania and Georgia. That puts Biden on the cusp of winning the presidency since the election hinges on the outcome of tight contests in those battleground states.
Load More