In a recent forum in Enid, Oklahoma, candidate Benjamin Blevins faced questions regarding his involvement with white nationalist groups, specifically his leadership of an Oklahoma chapter of Identity Evropa from 2017 to 2019. Despite admitting to participating in the Charlottesville rally where hateful chants were shouted, Blevins claimed his sole purpose was to preserve statues of American soldiers, stating that it is part of the country’s history and heritage. When pressed about his past actions and whether he regretted his involvement in the rally, Blevins refused to acknowledge responsibility, stating that it was not relevant to his current campaign in Enid.
Despite his claims of being opposed to racial hatred and discrimination, Blevins refused to denounce white nationalism, white supremacy, neo-Nazi beliefs, and alt-right activities and groups, dismissing them as non-issues in modern America. He also denied posting on white nationalist forums under the pseudonym Conway, despite evidence linking him to the posts. The Enid mayor and city attorney confirmed Blevins’ responsibility for the posts at a closed-door meeting in November. His past involvement with white nationalist groups has been a focal point of controversy in the town, leading to the formation of the Enid Social Justice Committee, which has been protesting Blevins and demanding accountability.
The Enid Social Justice Committee attempted to reach an agreement with Blevins, asking for an apology and denouncement of white nationalist groups, but Blevins declined the offer. The recall election has attracted attention from national white supremacist and neo-Nazi groups, who have urged their members to voice support for Blevins on social media and through letters to city officials. Progressive coalitions in Enid have mobilized against Blevins, pointing out his racist and antisemitic remarks and his refusal to distance himself from white nationalist groups, raising concerns among residents about his fitness to serve as mayor.
During the recent forum, questions arose about Blevins’ current affiliations, including donations from out-of-state donors with potential ties to white nationalist groups. Blevins defended the donations, stating that it is not a crime to have friends with money, and refusing to address questions about his current associations. Voter turnout in municipal elections in Enid is typically low, with Blevins winning the previous election by a slim margin of 36 votes. The upcoming election, scheduled for next Tuesday, has become a contentious issue in the town, with residents divided over Blevins’ suitability to serve as mayor given his past involvement with white nationalist organizations.
The controversy surrounding Blevins’ candidacy has led to heightened tensions in Enid, with residents and advocacy groups voicing concerns about his white nationalist ties and refusal to distance himself from extremist ideologies. The Enid Social Justice Committee has been at the forefront of the opposition against Blevins, organizing protests and attending public meetings to highlight his past actions and demand accountability. The upcoming election will be a litmus test for the town’s residents, as they decide whether to retain Blevins as mayor or seek a change in leadership that reflects the values of inclusivity and tolerance.
