Oklahoma teachers fight education cuts by winning elections

OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) – A group of teachers, parents and other supporters of public education working to elect like-minded candidates to the Oklahoma Legislature passed their first test at the ballot box on Tuesday with flying colors.

Candidates the group supported knocked two Republican officeholders from office, and came close to beating a third, a high level of success for challengers in an Oklahoma primary election. Only three GOP incumbents have lost to a challenger in the last 16 years.

A Facebook page launched by an elementary school teacher and a mom frustrated with the Legislature’s lack of action, quickly grew to nearly 25,000 followers. The group gave candidates a forum and an opportunity to tap into a network of local volunteers.

Now they’re hoping to continue pushing their pro-education message, and candidates, through November.