Republican Aiya Kelley announces for SD20

Republican Aiya Attaway Kelley Announces for State Senate, District 20

March 26, 2018 — Republican Aiya Attaway Kelley announces her candidacy for the State Senate seat currently held by exiting State Senator AJ Griffin.

“With Senator Griffin’s announcement that she is not running for re-election, it is important that we have a strong voice championing our community at the state capitol as we move forward. I thank Senator Griffin for her service, and I am already at work holding meetings and visiting homes and businesses throughout our community to share ideas as we develop a plan of action for long-term solutions to get our state’s economy back on track. I am thankful for so many who are already backing my candidacy, knowing that I will be a State Senator who combines my strong background in education and my conservative beliefs into action for Oklahoma. Our critical priorities are the subject of many of these conversations and we have clear direction from constituents: ensure best education outcomes for Oklahoma students, deliver transparency and accountability in government practices to Oklahomans, build a strong infrastructure to attract business and enterprise to Oklahoma, and guarantee that the freedom and liberties that our founders fought for are protected,” Kelley stated. In addition, Aiya Kelley is a staunch supporter of our military, and with her keen understanding of changing geopolitical dynamics, adds that public safety must also be a priority. Her own adoption experience has also placed in her heart a special care for life, youth needs and family services.

Aiya Kelley was born in Okinawa, Japan, where her parents served as missionaries after twenty years of service in the United States Air Force. Aiya has lived in Guthrie for over thirty years, graduating from the University of Central Oklahoma with a Bachelor of Arts degree in piano performance. Aiya was the first female to graduate from the same university with a Master of Arts degree in Jazz Studies and Sound Engineering/Music Production. She is also fluent in Japanese.

Aiya Kelley, who had already been crowned Mrs. Guthrie Regency International, won the recent Mrs. Oklahoma Regency International 2018 pageant and will be traveling to Las Vegas, Nevada, in July, to represent our state and to compete for Mrs. US/Regency International. Kelley’s platform for the pageant, “Standing Tall Through It All,” focuses on victims of abuse, particularly that of domestic violence. She is well known throughout our area for her talent at the piano, vocal skills, and motivational speaking. Kelley also works with several non-profit organizations that focus on helping families in challenging situations.

Kelley has just completed her eleventh year as a Professor of Piano and Music at Langston University, and has taught all grades from preschool through high school, leading her high school vocalists to regional and national titles. She is the Director of Music for Lakeside United Methodist Church, and often volunteers for non-profit organizations serving Logan County, teaches a weekly Bible study and studies the art of Kung Fu, training at the Golden Dragon Dojo in Guthrie.

Kelley has a deep commitment in support of the military, with her father being a retired Air Force Master Sergeant, her husband’s past service in the Army National Guard, and their blended family including two sons who served in the Marines and are now both police officers. The Kelley’s have two daughters-in-law, one a school teacher and one who is an administrator with a state police department; their oldest daughter is a Nurse Practitioner whose husband works for the Social Security Administration.

Kelley lives in Guthrie with her husband, George, who was born on a dairy farm, owned by his parents, in New York. George, an ordained minister, also served as a missionary for many years in Papua New Guinea, holds a bachelor’s and master’s degree, worked in agriculture-irrigation in Nebraska, built and operated a juvenile treatment facility and is a licensed pilot. Aiya’s daughter, Carolina, is in her first year of law school. Aiya is the daughter of Reverend William and Mrs. Carol Thorn of Guthrie, Oklahoma.

Mrs. Kelley is prepared to put her knowledge, experience and passion to work for Oklahoma.

For more information, please visit www.KelleyForOklahoma.com.