Amanda Swope is an American politician who has served as the Oklahoma House of Representatives member from the 71st district since November 16, 2022. She was the Tulsa County Democratic Party Chairwoman between 2019 and 2022, the youngest person and first Native American to hold the position. She is a citizen of the Muscogee Nation.
Amanda Swope | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Member of the Oklahoma House of Representatives from the 71st district | |
| Assumed office November 16, 2022 | |
| Preceded by | Denise Brewer |
| Chairwoman of the Tulsa County Democratic Party | |
| In office 2019–2022 | |
| Personal details | |
| Born | February 5, 1988 Tulsa, Oklahoma, U.S. |
| Nationality | American Muscogee Nation |
| Political party | Democratic |
| Education | Northeastern State University (BA) University of Oklahoma (MPA) |
Early life and education
editAmanda Swope was born and raised in Tulsa where she graduated from Nathan Hale High School in 2006.[1] Her mother is former Tulsa City Councilor Connie Dodson.[2] She earned her bachelor's degree in psychology from Northeastern State University and her master's degree in public administration from the University of Oklahoma.[3]
Career
editSwope worked in the nonprofit sector before accepting a job for the Muscogee Nation in 2018.[1][3] She became the tribal juvenile justice program director for the Muscogee Nation in 2021.[1]
Tulsa County Democratic Party
editSwope started volunteering with the Tulsa County Democratic Party in 2011. She served as the Chairwoman of the Tulsa County Democratic Party from 2019 to 2022. She was the youngest person and first Native American to hold the seat.[1] She also worked on Drew Edmondson's campaign for governor in 2018.[2]
Oklahoma House of Representatives
editSwope filed to run for Oklahoma House of Representatives 71st district to succeed Representative Denise Brewer in 2022. She faced no other Democratic candidates in the primary and Republican Mike Masters in the general election.[3] She was endorsed by the Tulsa World and received campaign contributions from the Cherokee Nation.[4][5] She defeated Masters with over 60% of the vote.[6] She was sworn in on November 16, 2022.[7]
Personal life
editSwope is a citizen of the Muscogee Nation.[3]
References
edit- ^ a b c d de Vera, Abbie (November 9, 2022). "Swope in for the win: Rep.-elect (D) Swope, Councilor (D) Decter Wright, Rep. Provenzano". Fox 23. Retrieved 8 January 2023.
- ^ a b Canfield, Kevin (December 1, 2022). "Outgoing City Councilor Connie Dodson, incoming state Rep. Amanda Swope talk about mother-daughter relationship, politics". Tulsa World. Retrieved July 18, 2024.
- ^ a b c d DenHoed, Andrea (October 24, 2022). "Mike Masters, Amanda Swope compete for open House District 71 in Tulsa". Nondoc. Retrieved 8 January 2023.
- ^ "Endorsement: Amanda Swope is the best choice for voters in House District 71". Tulsa World. October 24, 2022. Retrieved 8 January 2023.
- ^ Rowley, D. Sean (October 31, 2022). "CN splits $400K in contributions between Democrats, GOP". Cherokee Phoenix. Retrieved 8 January 2023.
- ^ "Election results for Tulsa races". Public Radio Tulsa. November 8, 2022. Retrieved 8 January 2023.
- ^ Shular, Daniel (16 November 2022). "Photos: Lawmakers sworn in at Capitol on Oklahoma Statehood Day". Tulsa World. Retrieved 13 December 2022.