Senate Democrats take the oath of office, prepare for service in the 60th Legislature

OKLAHOMA CITY – Surrounded by family, friends, and fellow lawmakers, four members of the Senate Democratic Caucus were formally sworn into office during a ceremony held in the Senate Chamber on Wednesday for new and reelected members. New members of the Democratic Caucus include Sen. Regina Goodwin, D-Tulsa, Sen. Mark Mann, D-Oklahoma City, Sen. Nikki Nice, D-Oklahoma City. Sen. Jo Anna Dossett, D-Tulsa was reelected to the Senate and also took the oath of office, administered by Oklahoma Supreme Court Chief Justice John Kane.

Senate Democratic Leader Julia Kirt offered her congratulations to the new and returning caucus members.

“Each of our new and returning members are strong leaders in their communities, and I’m grateful they’re putting that experience to work for the people of Oklahoma,” said Kirt, D-Oklahoma City. “Senate Democrats stand ready to roll up our sleeves and get to work on improvements that will make a brighter future for every Oklahoman.”

Dossett, a former educator serving Senate District 35, is beginning her second term in the Oklahoma Senate.

“It’s been an honor to serve the people of Senate District 35 for the last four years, and I look forward to the next four years,” Dossett said.

Goodwin, serving Senate District 11, is a former member of the House of Representatives who served as assistant minority leader and chair of the Oklahoma Legislative Black Caucus.

“Blessed to represent House District 73 in Tulsa for nine years, now being elected to serve people on the Senate side remains a profound privilege,” Goodwin said. “Integrity, principles, courage and work ethic are key on our watch.”

Mann, who represents Senate District 46, served on the Oklahoma City Public Schools Board of Education and is a small business owner.

“I am very grateful for the tremendous support I received from the people of Senate District 46,” Mann said. “It’s an honor I do not take for granted. I look forward to serving my constituents and being their voice in the Oklahoma Senate.”

Nice, Senate District 48, previously served on the Oklahoma City Council and has had a career as a prominent radio and television host.

“I’m excited to make the transition from serving my friends and neighbors in city government to representing them in the Oklahoma Senate. I am grateful to the constituents of Senate District 48 for entrusting in me this responsibility to serve,” Nice said. “I look forward to working with this Legislature to build a more successful Oklahoma for all.”

In the coming days and weeks, new members of the Senate will participate in orientation sessions and begin work on proposed legislation for the upcoming session. The full Senate will hold an organizational day on Jan. 7, 2025, and the first session of the 60^th Legislature will formally convene on Feb. 3, 2025.

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CUTLINE: Senate Democratic Leader Julia Kirt welcomed new and returning members of the Democratic Caucus to the state Capitol Wednesday, where they were formally sworn into office. Pictured left to right, Kirt, D-Oklahoma City, with returning member Sen. Jo Anna Dossett, D-Tulsa, and new members, Sen. Nikki Nice, D-Oklahoma City, Sen. Regina Goodwin, D-Tulsa, and Sen. Mark Mann, D-Oklahoma City.

For more information, contact:  Sen. Julia Kirt at 405-521-5636 or Julia.Kirt@oksenate.gov