OKLAHOMA CITY – Rep. Merleyn Bell, D-Norman, released the following statement to announce that she will not seek reelection to the Oklahoma House of Representatives.
“I am announcing today that I will not run for reelection to the Oklahoma House of Representatives in 2022.
“While it has always been my aim to educate and empower my fellow citizens, I now believe this goal may best be achieved from the outside in, at a distance that allows me to devote more time to other pursuits, both personal and professional.
“I wish to thank you and all the people of House District 45, who supported me every step of the way. Together in 2018, we made history in two ways —by electing me with the largest margin in recent history and making me the first person of color to ever represent our city in the state legislature.
“Since then, we’ve shielded public education from frequent attacks, expanded access to health care, protected our most vulnerable neighbors, and rallied against a governor insistent on pushing citizens out of their homes. I hope that you are as proud as I am of what we have achieved together.
“I have always appreciated the opportunity to connect constituents to their government and help solve problems. I plan on finishing out my term by maintaining a high level of service to the people of HD45, along with the help of my talented and dedicated legislative assistant, Lynae Dowdell.
“I will also continue to serve in leadership as a co-chair of both the Legislative Mental Health Caucus and the Legislative Diabetes Caucus until my term ends this November.
“While I am stepping away from the front lines, I will continue to be at your side, fighting for what is right and for what makes us better as both a people and a state.”
Bell plans to continue to represent House District 45 until a new representative is elected and encourages constituents to reach out to her office at (405)557-7386 or at merleyn.bell@okhouse.gov.
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