Mark Mann
OKLAHOMA CITY — An Oklahoma City school board member announced he will seek election to the state Senate next year.
Mark Mann, a longtime resident of Senate District 46 in Oklahoma City, intends to be on the ballot in 2024 when Sen. Kay Floyd, D-Oklahoma City, leaves office because of term limits. Mann said his priorities are education, health care, economic and workforce development.
“Our schools are under attack from extremists who want to profit off of a voucher scheme,” Mann said. “I’ll fight to stop vouchers, increase teacher pay, increase funding for our schools, provide mental health resources to our students and families and will always respect our teachers for the professionals they are.”
Mann worked for former State Superintendent of Public Instruction Sandy Garrett at the State Department of Education. He is a graduate of the University of Oklahoma, where he earned a degree in international government.
“I have seen Mark Mann’s advocacy for public education in action,” said Paula Lewis, chair of the Oklahoma City School Board. “Mark fights tirelessly for all kids. He is a leader who sees opportunity where others see only problems. He knows the value of a free, quality public education, and he would be a fantastic senator.”
“We all know that Oklahoma needs strong public school advocates for our children and communities,” said Jena Nelson, teacher and former candidate for state superintendent of public instruction. “That is why I support Mark Mann. Mark is a man of integrity, strength, knowledge, and will represent the Senate District 46 constituents with compassion and a vision that moves Oklahoma forward for all of us.”
Mann, 51, owns an insurance agency and has been married to his wife, Tonya, a lifelong educator, since 2005. They have two children, Alex and Andrew.
“As the Oklahoma City metro continues to grow, we need state incentives and programs aligned to ensure economic development happens in all of our communities,” Mann said. Additionally, with technological advances and increased growth in the aviation and biotech fields, “the state must focus on a robust workforce development initiative that is capable of supplying the employees these new companies will demand.”
Mann also said Oklahoma is in the midst of a health care crisis.
“We must focus on increasing access to health care for our most vulnerable communities, and we need leaders who will bring sanity to health care policy discussions,” he said. “Too many legislators are giving credence to conspiracy theorists and extremists. I trust health care professionals, and I will listen to them on issues concerning health care policy, including allowing these professionals and their female patients to make reproductive decisions without government interference.”
“As a business owner, father and school board member, Mark knows the impact policy can have,” former House Democratic Leader Scott Inman said. “He will stand up for families while advocating for sensible policies, so we can grow our economy and create opportunities for more Oklahomans. I am proud to support Mark Mann in this race.”