Former Democratic state Sen. Jabar Shumate joins Oklahoma Federation for Children

Jabar Shumate

The Oklahoma Federation for Children, a state affiliate of the American Federation for Children, announced in a news release today that former state Sen. Jabar Shumate (D-Tulsa) is joining the staff as Director of Legislative Affairs and State Director for Oklahoma. 

Shumate resigned from the Oklahoma Senate at the beginning of the year to take on promoting school choice policies in the state full-time.

“We are thrilled to have such a dedicated ally and experienced legislator join our Oklahoma team,” said Bob Sullivan, co-chair of the Oklahoma Federation for Children. “Jabar is committed to extending educational options and choice to every child in Oklahoma, and we are excited that he is joining our efforts to give every child regardless of their background the opportunity to learn in a high-quality setting.”

“Jabar has been a champion for school choice throughout his time in office and we are excited to have him continue to work with us as a member of our staff,” said Russell Perry, co-chair of the Oklahoma Federation for Children. “His hard work and dedication to providing students the opportunity to go to the school that best suits their needs is inspiring and he will be a great addition to the team.”

Since 2012, Shumate served as a Democratic Senator for Oklahoma’s 11th Senate District. He has been an advocate and champion for educational choice throughout his term, and has authored and introduced numerous education bills to the Oklahoma State Senate. Shumate’s legislative experience and keen political insight will be tremendous asset in Oklahoma and throughout the country. Featured at several national conferences, Shumate is a sought-after speaker in the ed reform community who has addressed legislative leaders throughout the country about the need to break down barriers to educational choice.

The Oklahoma Federation for Children is chaired by Bob Sullivan of Tulsa and Russell Perry of Oklahoma City. The Oklahoma Federation for Children works to increase the array and quality of K-12 educational options available to Oklahoma’s children.

The Oklahoma Federation for Children is a state-based project of the American Federation for Children, the nation’s voice for educational choice.

Educational choice champions prevail in Oklahoma run-off elections

"The Oklahoma Federation for Children celebrated the results of tonight's run-off election, as parents responded overwhelmingly in support of educational choice candidates," according to a press release from the organization.

All six of the Oklahoma Federation for Children Action Fund supported candidates were successful and strongly believe in empowering parents through educational choice. The most closely watched race was between Melissa Abdo and Chuck Strohm. Abdo, the frontrunner and an unapologetic opponent of educational choice, was upset by pro-educational choice candidate Chuck Strohm.

Russell Perry

"Today’s results speak volumes about the importance and impact of educational choice – voters overwhelmingly favor candidates who believe in school choice and offering parents with robust quality options," said Russell Perry, Co-Chair of the Oklahoma Federation for Children. "Although all of the candidates have very different backgrounds, one thing these candidates all support is improving Oklahoma’s education system, and empowering families and children with the ability to attend the quality school of their choice."

The Oklahoma Action Fund made a major investment to support the six candidates, two of whom are Democrats, and made a significant impact in the election’s results.

Oklahoma Federation for Children supported candidates are: John Pfeiffer (R-HD 38), John Paul Jordan (R-HD 43), Casey Murdock (R-HD 61), Chuck Strohm (R-HD 69), Shane Stone (D-HD 89), and George Young (D-HD 99)

Earlier this year, the Oklahoma Federation for Children released a poll that found overwhelming support for educational choice, especially among Republican primary voters.

One race in particular where educational choice became a decisive issue was in the campaign for the 69th House District where Chuck Strohm successfully defeated the front runner, Melissa Abdo. Abdo, an opponent of school choice, sued to block parents with special needs children from obtaining access to the state’s school choice program. The race serves as a reminder that parents value educational choice and will not tolerate candidates who put special interests ahead of the needs of children.

Bob Sullivan

"Tonight’s results demonstrate that Oklahoma citizens are supportive and embrace educational choice," said Bob Sullivan, Co-Chair of the Oklahoma Federation for Children. "And, the Oklahoma Federation for Children serves as the voice and vehicle for parents who are rising up to challenge the status quo and want are elected officials who believe in the power of educational choice."