For Immediate Release

Media Contact:
Angela Allmond, Communications Director
Oklahoma Democratic Party
angela@okdemocrats.org

The Oklahoma Democratic Party Pleased Over Resignation

OKLAHOMA CITY, OK, — AUGUST 21, 2023 – The Oklahoma Democratic Party supports the governor’s opinion that a special election should be called to fill the seat vacated by Ryan Martinez. Convicted felons do not belong in elected positions making laws when they themselves fail to follow existing laws, and in this case, repeatedly. In October of 2022, Representative Ryan Martinez was found to be in control of a vehicle while intoxicated and recently pleaded to the felony charge.

“While Martinez was not eligible to run as a candidate for the 2024 election cycle, he should have immediately stepped down from his seat once he pleaded guilty to felony charges. We are pleased that he has finally tendered his resignation so that Oklahomans can go to the ballot box and replace him with an Oklahoman who takes their sworn oath to protect our constitution seriously,” stated Alicia Andrews, the Oklahoma Democratic Party Chair.

“There is no place for anyone in any office who believes they are above the law, ignores their sworn oath, and is willing to be a danger to society, while supposedly representing Oklahomans. Martinez refusing to step down initially only fermented the distrust that citizens have in the legislature. These actions are the first step towards restoring the confidence of Oklahoma voters,” concluded Andrews.

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For more information about the Oklahoma Democratic Party, visit the party website at okdemocrats.org, or call party headquarters at 405-427-3366.