Enid, Oklahoma Voters Remove City Council Member Linked to White Nationalism

Enid, Oklahoma residents have successfully recalled Judd Blevins, a City Council member with ties to white nationalism, according to unofficial results posted on the Oklahoma Election Board website. In Enid's Ward 1, all four precincts reported their votes, with voters choosing to remove Blevins from office and selecting Cheryl Patterson as his replacement. Patterson, a grandmother and longtime youth leader at a local church, will now fill the vacant seat.

Blevins, a former Iraq War veteran, was elected to the City Council last year despite his connection to white nationalist groups. However, his involvement in the Unite the Right rally in Charlottesville, Virginia, in 2017 and his affiliation with the now-defunct white supremacist group Identity Evropa became matters of public concern. During a community forum held last week, Blevins confessed his participation in the rally and admitted his connection to Identity Evropa. His response to questions about his involvement highlighted his aim to address issues such as border security, immigration reform, and combatting what he referred to as "anti-white hatred" prevalent in media entertainment.

The recall effort was initiated by two longtime Enid residents, Connie Vickers and Nancy Presnall, both Democrats, in a county where Republicans hold a significant advantage in voter registration. The effort gained traction despite the political landscape, ultimately leading to Blevins' removal from office.

In response to the election's outcome, Blevins released a statement expressing gratitude to his supporters while also criticizing what he referred to as a coalition of leftists and moderates, along with a media blitz from local, state, and national outlets. He claimed that scare tactics regarding Vance AFB's future, which he deemed unfounded, contributed to his removal. Blevins described this trial as not just his own, but a reflection of the community, revealing the allegiances of its members. In conclusion, he expressed a sense of accomplishment for his efforts but hinted at the challenges faced by conservative voices in local politics.

The recall of Judd Blevins serves as a significant development within Enid's political landscape, highlighting the rejection of a council member associated with white nationalism. With Cheryl Patterson assuming the vacant seat, the community has chosen a new representative who brings a different perspective and a wealth of experience from her involvement in youth leadership and church work.

As Enid looks toward the future, this election marks a turning point in the battle against divisive ideologies, emphasizing the importance of inclusivity, unity, and a commitment to serving all members of the community.