The city of Enid, Oklahoma, recently made headlines as voters in Ward 1 took action to oust city council member Judd Blevins, known for his ties to white nationalist groups. Unofficial results from the Oklahoma Election Board website revealed that voters decided to recall Blevins and instead elected Cheryl Patterson to fill the seat. Patterson, a grandmother and longtime youth leader at a local church, will now represent Ward 1 in place of Blevins, who was narrowly elected to the seat last year despite his controversial affiliations.
Blevins, an Iraq War veteran, made headlines when he admitted at a community forum that he had marched in the Unite the Right rally in Charlottesville, Virginia, in 2017, and was connected to the now-defunct white supremacist group Identity Evropa. When questioned about his involvement in the rally and his ties to the group, Blevins defended his actions by stating that he was bringing attention to issues that resonated with Donald Trump’s 2016 election platform, such as securing America’s borders and reforming the legal immigration system. However, his remarks about “pushing back on anti-white hatred” stirred controversy and led to the recall effort initiated by two Enid residents, Connie Vickers and Nancy Presnall, both Democrats in a predominantly Republican county.
The recall effort in Enid highlights the growing backlash against individuals with ties to white nationalist groups and ideologies. Blevins’ association with Identity Evropa and his participation in the Unite the Right rally sparked outrage among community members, ultimately leading to his removal from the city council. The selection of Cheryl Patterson, a community-focused grandmother and church leader, signals a shift towards inclusivity and a rejection of divisive ideologies in Enid’s local government.
In a county where Republicans hold a significant advantage in voter registration, the successful recall of Blevins reflects a unified effort by Enid residents to hold their elected officials accountable and uphold the values of inclusivity and diversity in their community. The actions taken by voters in Ward 1 send a powerful message that intolerance and discrimination have no place in local government, and that individuals with extremist views will face consequences for their actions. Moving forward, Enid residents will look to their newly elected representative, Cheryl Patterson, to bring a fresh perspective and a commitment to serving all members of the community, regardless of background or beliefs.
The outcome of the recall election in Enid serves as a reminder of the importance of civic engagement and the power of grassroots organizing in holding elected officials accountable. By speaking out against hate and prejudice, residents of Enid have demonstrated their commitment to creating a more inclusive and welcoming community for all. The city’s decision to remove Blevins from office sends a clear message that individuals with ties to white nationalist groups will not be tolerated in positions of power, and that Enid is committed to fostering a safe and welcoming environment for all residents. As Cheryl Patterson prepares to take on her new role as city council member, the community looks towards a future guided by unity, compassion, and a shared commitment to equality and justice for all.
