In Enid, Oklahoma, voters have successfully ousted City Council member Judd Blevins, who has ties to white nationalism. Unofficial results posted on the Oklahoma Election Board website show that voters in Ward 1 chose to recall Blevins and instead elected Cheryl Patterson to fill the seat. Despite Blevins being an Iraq War veteran, he was narrowly elected to the seat last year despite his connections to white nationalist groups, such as marching in the Unite the Right rally in Charlottesville, Virginia in 2017 and being associated with the now-defunct white supremacist group Identity Evropa.
Blevins, during a community forum, attempted to explain his involvement in the rally and his ties to Identity Evropa by highlighting issues like securing America’s borders, reforming the legal immigration system, and addressing what he referred to as “anti-white hatred” common in media and entertainment. The recall effort in Enid was initiated by two longtime residents and friends, Connie Vickers and Nancy Presnall, both of whom are Democrats in a county where Republicans hold a substantial voter registration advantage. The successful recall of Blevins reflects the community’s rejection of his white nationalist affiliations and desire for more inclusive and representative leadership.
In response to the recall results, Blevins expressed gratitude to his supporters, voters, volunteers, and donors while also acknowledging the efforts of those who worked to remove him from office. He criticized what he perceived as a coalition of leftists and moderates, as well as a media blitz from local, state, and national outlets, that contributed to his removal. Blevins also mentioned scare tactics regarding the future of Vance AFB, though he deemed these claims as unfounded. Despite his removal from office, Blevins maintained that he had fought the good fight, finished the race, and kept the faith throughout the recall process.
The outcome of the Enid City Council recall election highlights the importance of community engagement and the ability of voters to hold their elected officials accountable for their actions and affiliations. By electing Cheryl Patterson to replace Judd Blevins, Enid residents have signaled their desire for leadership that is not associated with white nationalism and is more reflective of the community’s values of inclusivity and diversity. The recall also serves as a reminder of the power of grassroots efforts, such as those initiated by Connie Vickers and Nancy Presnall, to effect change and ensure that elected officials represent the best interests of their constituents.
Moving forward, the Enid City Council will likely experience a shift in dynamics with the addition of Cheryl Patterson, a grandmother and church youth leader, to the council. Patterson’s background suggests a commitment to community service and a focus on the well-being of Enid residents, which aligns with the values and priorities of the city’s electorate. As Enid seeks to move past the controversy surrounding Judd Blevins and his ties to white nationalism, the community can now work towards fostering unity, understanding, and collaboration among its diverse population under new leadership that is more representative and inclusive. The successful recall of Blevins demonstrates the power of democracy in action and reinforces the principle that elected officials are ultimately accountable to the people they serve.
