Voters in Enid, Oklahoma, made the decision to remove City Council member Judd Blevins due to his ties to white nationalist groups, with a nearly 20-point margin in favor of his removal. Blevins lost his seat by 268 votes, and Cheryl Patterson, a former teacher and Republican, will be taking his place. Patterson campaigned on a platform of returning the city to “normalcy” after the division caused by Blevins’ association with white nationalism. This decision was seen as a victory against hate by many residents, including Democrat Connie Vickers, who was one of the first to confront Blevins over his affiliations.
Blevins faced the recall vote after it was discovered that he had participated in a march with neo-Nazis in Charlottesville in 2017 and led an Oklahoma chapter of the white nationalist group Identity Evropa. Despite denying being a white supremacist, Blevins defended his actions during a candidate forum and stated that his activism was motivated by similar issues that led to Donald Trump’s election in 2016. While Blevins had supporters in Enid who believed in giving him a second chance, ultimately the majority voted to remove him from office. Blevins expressed confidence before the results were announced and stated that he would accept the outcome, regardless of the decision.
The unofficial results of the election will be certified by the Garfield County government, with the change in the City Council expected to take effect soon. Cheryl Patterson, who will be replacing Blevins, expressed her gratitude to the citizens of Enid for their support and for choosing her to represent them. She emphasized that Enid does not promote white nationalism or white supremacy and that the people of the city are good, hoping that the election results would reflect this sentiment. With over 1,300 voters turning out, Patterson’s victory marked a shift towards unity and inclusivity in the community.
The controversy surrounding Blevins and his ties to white nationalist groups had a significant impact on the community of Enid, with residents taking a stand against hate and division. The recall vote was a pivotal moment in the city’s history, reflecting the values of the majority of voters and their rejection of white supremacy. While Blevins had his supporters, including those who knew him personally and believed in giving him a second chance, the election results indicated a clear message that the residents of Enid were not willing to tolerate his associations with extremist groups.
The outcome of the election sent a strong message that Enid was committed to promoting diversity, inclusion, and unity within the community. By electing Cheryl Patterson to replace Judd Blevins on the City Council, residents reaffirmed their values of tolerance and respect for all individuals. Patterson’s victory symbolized a new chapter for the city, one that aimed to move past the controversy and division caused by Blevins’ white nationalist ties. Ultimately, the residents of Enid made their voices heard and took a stand against hate and prejudice, ensuring that their city remained a welcoming and inclusive place for all.
