hindustan times: “N'kiyla Jasmine Thomas' husband and kids: All we know as Democratic socialist wins primary runoff for Oklahoma Senate”

N'kiyla Jasmine Thomas progresses to the November election after winning the Democratic Senate runoff against Jim Priest.

Oklahoma's N'kiyla Jasmine Thomas, a nurse and political newcomer, defeats Jim Priest to secure the Democratic Senate nomination.

Published on: Aug 26, 2026, 17:47:30 IST

ByShweta Kukreti

N'Kiyla Jasmine Thomas, a nurse without any previous political background, triumphed in the Democratic Senate runoff in Oklahoma on Tuesday, defeating attorney Jim Priest and securing her position as the Democratic nominee for the upcoming November election.

This victory, which many viewed as surprising at the outset of the race, marks Thomas as the first Senate nominee in the state's history to openly identify as a Democratic socialist.

The win follows closely on the heels of state legislator Angie Nixon, another Democratic socialist, who recently secured the Democratic nomination for the Florida Senate. This adds to a series of successes for the party's left wing during this primary cycle, where voters have consistently faced choices between moderate candidates and newcomers leaning further left.

On behalf of Jasmine: We did it!! Team NJT showed up and showed out! 79,186 votes?! We truly appreciate the incredible support, encouragement, and kindness from so many wonderful people. To everyone who has taken time out of their day to show up for Jasmine, vote, share a message, offer support, or believe in what she stands for, please know your efforts mean the world to us. Moments like this aren’t the work of just one person. They’re made possible by a whole community of people, just like you, who choose to stand together, support one another, and believe in the possibility of progress. Thank you for being with us. Thank you for your belief. And most of all, thank you for continuing to show up. From the bottom of our hearts, we’re so grateful for your support, trust, and voice. We see you. We hear you. We love you. Here’s to the next chapter! Team NJT 💙🦋

— N’Kiyla “Jasmine” Thomas (@jasmineforok) August 26, 2026

N'kiyla Jasmine Thomas set to compete against Kevin Hern

In June, Thomas secured the lead in the initial race with 45% of the votes, while Priest garnered 24% in a five-candidate primary, where no candidate achieved the majority required to bypass a runoff. Despite being significantly outspent, with her campaign raising only $60,000 compared to the nearly $10 million amassed by Republican Kevin Hern, Thomas ultimately triumphed in the runoff as well.

Full article here.