Serving

Annie Menz

State HouseDemocrat

OK-HD-45 State House

Latina (first-generation American, immigrant mother)·Founding member of Oklahoma Legislative Latino Caucus

Why This Race Matters

Menz is the first Latina in Oklahoma House history and the first woman veteran elected to the Oklahoma legislature. Her term ends November 2026. She won reelection in 2024 with 52.4% in a three-way race, holding HD-45 (East Norman) for Democrats.

HD-45 covers East Norman and Lake Thunderbird. Menz won her initial 2022 race with 53.5% over Republican Teresa Sterling, then held the seat in 2024 with 52.4% against Republican Matt Watson and Libertarian Robert Murphy. As co-founder of the Oklahoma Legislative Latino Caucus alongside Sen. Brooks-Jimenez, she advocates for Oklahoma's growing Latino community amid heightened immigration enforcement anxiety.

Key dates to watch: General Election on November 3, 2026.

About

Annie Menz is the FIRST Latina ever elected to the Oklahoma House of Representatives, winning her seat in 2022 and making further history as the first woman veteran elected to the Oklahoma state legislature. Born in Oklahoma City and raised by an Army veteran father and an immigrant mother, she grew up in west Oklahoma City in a low-income household with five siblings, experiencing hunger, poverty, and housing instability until high school. She enlisted in the U.S. Navy at age 17 and later built a career as a legislative staffer before running for office herself. An openly queer single mother, she lives in East Norman with her son.

Family & Heritage

Born in Oklahoma City to an Army veteran father and an immigrant mother from Latin America. Grew up in west Oklahoma City in a low-income household with five siblings, experiencing hunger, poverty, and housing instability through high school. Single mother of one son. Recreationally, she and her son enjoy camping, kayaking, hiking around Lake Thunderbird, and stargazing on clear summer nights.

Political Career

Before Politics

Enlisted in U.S. Navy at age 17. Six years as nonpartisan Legislative and Executive Assistant in the Oklahoma State Senate. Three years with non-profit organizations providing behavioral care, immunizations, and prescription drugs to low-income communities. Campaign staffer and consultant in Oklahoma politics.

Education

A.A. from Oklahoma City Community College; studying part-time at the University of Oklahoma

Awards & Recognition

NextGen Under-30 Award (2017); Veteran of the Year by Oklahoma Democratic Committee

Key Issues & Priorities

*Government transparency and accessibility

*Funding public education

*Supporting working families

*Mental health care access

*Protecting natural resources from government overreach

*Veterans affairs

*LGBTQ+ rights

*Food stamp access and SNAP issues

Notable Legislation

HB 2097 - Turnpike Toll Increase Approval

Requires legislative approval before turnpike toll increases

HB 2093 - Oklahoma Turnpike Authority Bond Ceiling

Establishes bond debt ceiling for Oklahoma Turnpike Authority

HB 3967 - Landowner's Bill of Rights

Creates Landowner's Bill of Rights with restrictions on eminent domain use

HB 2099 - Oklahoma Affordable Housing Commission

Creates the Oklahoma Affordable Housing Commission

Endorsements

LPAC (2022

2024)

LGBTQ Victory Fund

Oklahoma Democratic Party

Oklahoma Public Employees Association PAC

Oklahoma Democratic Party Veterans Federation

Sally's List

VoteVets