OKLAHOMA CITY – The resignation of the state representative for House District 89 is the second time in past four years that the district’s representative has resigned from that office.
Last week state Rep. José Cruz, an Oklahoma City Democrat serving his first term in office, announced he would resign at 5 p.m., Friday, Jan. 21.
Cruz was one of three Latino lawmakers in the state legislature. He was also the first Latino to represent the House District 89. He served on the Agriculture and Rural Development Committee and Criminal Judiciary committees.
Cruz said he was resigning because he acted inappropriately at a New Year’s Eve gathering. Last Wednesday, Cruz released a statement though a political consultant announcing his resignation.
"My actions on New Year’s Eve did not reflect my values and beliefs. I consider myself a champion of women and have deep respect for my female colleagues and friends. However, my conduct that evening was inappropriate. I take full responsibility for my behavior, and I apologize,” his statement said. "I started 2022 by exercising poor judgment and acting inappropriately during a gathering. I deeply regret my conduct and that my actions made someone else uncomfortable. I’m upset with myself and embarrassed.”
Cruz said he must resign his seat and take steps to right his wrongs and learn from the experience. “Although I am giving up this seat, I will not give up advocating for others and fighting to improve Oklahoma,” he said.
Cruz was elected in 2020. He replaced Rep. Shane Stone, who resigned on Dec. 3, 2019, partway through his term.
The loss of Cruz is a blow to both the residents of the southside district and to the state’s Latino population. The district runs extends from south Portland Avenue on the west to south Walker Avenue on the east and to Southwest 44th Street, south.
Records show that Latinos make up more than 11 percent of the state’s population, but remain largely underrepresented at the state capitol, with only two percent holding office. Currently, there are no statewide elected officials who are Latino, although previous administrations have included members of the Latino community in cabinet positions.
House Democrats, already struggling because of their historically low numbers in the legislature, will have one less vote during the upcoming legislative session. Following Cruz’s announcement, House Minority Leader Emily Virgin, D-Norman, issued a terse statement.
"(We) have a plan in place to make sure services to the constituents of House District 89 are uninterrupted," she stated. "I have no further comment at this time due to potential investigations related to this matter."
State lawmakers return to the capitol on Feb 7 for the opening of the Second Session of the 58th Oklahoma Legislature.