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House District 39 February 13 Election Candidates
House District 39 candidates are making their final push towards the Feb. 13 election to decide who will fill an open seat vacated by former State Rep. Ryan Martinez.
Republican Erick Harris, a former assistant state attorney general, and Democrat Regan Raff, owner of a bookkeeping company, will square off against Libertarian Richard Prawdzienski, a U.S. Marine veteran.
Harris, 36, is an attorney with a focus on civil litigation, business litigation and transactional matters. He currently serves on the Oklahoma Department of Corrections Board.
Harris said he was running to better Oklahoma.
“My wife and I are fortunate to have a beautiful 7-month-old little girl. I want to make Oklahoma the best state it can be for our children and grandchildren,” Harris said. “Additionally, I chose to run for public office because I believe our state will only improve if we have individuals willing to make a sacrifice to serve the public and make the best decisions needed for Oklahoma.”
Harris said he and his wife have been knocking doors leading up to the election.
“I am visiting with as many voters as possible. My wife and I have knocked on more than 5,000 doors and the number continues to climb,” he said.
Harris said his key platform issues are education, public safety, and the economy.
Raff, 43, has spent her professional career working in accounting and real estate. She has experience in oil and gas accounting and now runs her own bookkeeping business, working with home builders and other small businesses.
“I decided to run for public office because I care deeply about my community, and I know that Edmond deserves to have a representative that will work with both parties to move our state forward. I will listen and be open to legislation that benefits all Oklahomans,” she said. “In the days leading up to the election, we are out each day meeting voters. We are knocking on hundreds of doors each week, and I will continue working hard until election day.”
Raff said education and healthcare are her top priorities.
“As a product of Edmond Public Schools, and as a parent of three current EPS students, I know how dedicated our educators, administrators and paraprofessionals are in our schools,” she said. “We must find solutions that bring respect back to their professions, improve the pay of teachers and support professionals. Threats, lawsuits, and divisive rhetoric are not how we move forward. All Oklahoma children deserve an outstanding public school in their community that is well funded and resourced to meet the learning needs of all students.”
Prawdzienski, 75, said he will advocate that all Americans should be free to live their lives and pursue their interests as they see fit as long as they do no harm to another.
“I will strongly oppose government interference into personal, family, and business decisions,” he said. “(I) encourage people to create governments peacefully to accomplish collective goals and provide benefits for the whole society.”
Polls open at 7a.m. and close at 7 p.m.