Oklahoma Lawmaker Mauree Turner Announces Departure from State Legislature
In 2020, Mauree Turner made history by becoming the first Black, Muslim, nonbinary state lawmaker in the United States, representing Oklahoma's House District 88 in Oklahoma City. This milestone came with numerous challenges in one of the most conservative state capitols.
Turner's tenure was marked by experiences of isolation and hostility, including being the target of threats and misgendering. Following their reelection in 2022, Turner faced additional difficulties, such as being moved to a small, windowless office on the sixth floor, dubbed "the attic."
Throughout their tenure, Turner often clashed with the Republican majority, particularly in the aftermath of an LGBTQ protest, which led to their censure by the House. They were stripped of their committee assignments until they apologized for allegedly "harboring a fugitive" during the protest.
Despite these hurdles, Turner remained committed to representing marginalized communities, although none of their proposed bills made it out of committee. They played a crucial role in pressuring the Republican leadership not to advance certain measures, such as a ban on gender and sexual diversity training in public agencies.
In April 2024, Turner announced they would not seek reelection, citing health issues after being diagnosed with multiple sclerosis and cancer. Turner described their time in the legislature as isolating and stressful but also felt proud of their representation and advocacy for the marginalized communities in Oklahoma.
Turner's aide, Nicole Maldonado, a queer Colombian immigrant, is running for Turner's District 88 seat in the upcoming Democratic primary, continuing the legacy Turner began.
Mauree Turner leaves behind a legacy of resilience and advocacy, emphasizing the importance of representation and community care outside the legislative process.