Jena Nelson, former Oklahoma Teacher of the Year and the 2022 Democratic nominee for State Superintendent, officially announced her candidacy for Congress Saturday morning during a campaign launch event at Millwood Public Schools Fieldhouse.

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Nelson will be running against incumbent Stephanie Bice for the Congressional seat of the 5th district.

Nelson, a longtime educator and advocate for public schools, gained statewide recognition during her 2022 campaign against current State Superintendent Ryan Walters, earning 43% of the vote. This was the highest of any Democrat on the statewide ballot that year.

While Nelson had teased a major announcement earlier in the week, Saturday’s event confirmed her plans to enter the race for federal office.

News 9 will continue to provide updates on the race as it develops.