Mauree Turner becomes the first nonbinary state legislator and first Muslim lawmaker in Oklahoma history

OKLAHOMA CITY -

Although a Democrat will again represent Oklahoma House District 88 in the state legislature, its next occupant will be historic on multiple fronts.

Democratic Nominee Mauree Turner handily won over Republican Kelly Barlean by a more than 40% margin, or nearly 6,000 votes.

Turner will be the first Muslim lawmaker in Oklahoma and first nonbinary person, which means their gender identity is not strictly male or female, to hold state legislator in U.S. history.

“It feels really kind of remarkable. It’s still hard to put into words,” Turner said.

The 27-year-old said neighbors recommended they run for office last year.

“While I don’t really agree with career politicians, I do agree with answering a call to action,” Turner said. “My community asked me to run.”
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