State Representative District 45 in Oklahoma State House District 45, Oklahoma

2026 Primary Election

• Annie Menz — Incumbent State Representative in Norman, OK

  Annie Menz represents Oklahoma House District 45, covering East Norman. As the first Latina and first Woman Veteran elected to the Oklahoma Legislature, she is a third-generation veteran and former USMC spouse, having served in the U.S. Navy. Menz holds an Associate of Arts degree and is a part-time student at the University of Oklahoma. Her professional background includes legislative assistance and non-profit work in behavioral care and immunizations. Recognized as the 2026 Representative of the Year by the Oklahoma Veterans Council, her platform focuses on protecting natural resources, investing in public education, expanding mental health care, and supporting working families. She is a member of the American Legion and Oklahoma Women Veterans Organization, and a founding member of the Oklahoma Legislative Latino Caucus.

• Evan Nathaniel Shepherd — Group Lead at Alphabest after school programs in Norman, OK

  Evan Nathaniel Shepherd is a Democratic candidate running for the Oklahoma House of Representatives, District 45, in the 2026 primary election. A lifelong resident of Norman, Oklahoma, he is an alumnus of Norman North High School and continues his academic career at the University of Oklahoma. He has professional experience as a teaching assistant and currently serves as a Group Lead at Alphabest after school programs. Shepherd identifies as a "Real Progressive" committed to addressing crucial issues for District 45. His policy platform emphasizes improving education, boosting affordability by increasing wages and curbing corporate abuse, and expanding access to social safety nets like SoonerCare. His campaign explicitly rejects corporate donations.