Rare Contested School Board Race in Southeast OKC

Young candidates Natalie Roman and Galilea Martinez vie for OKCPS District 7 seat.

Apr. 2, 2026 at 3:06pm

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In a rare occurrence, the Oklahoma City Public Schools (OKCPS) District 7 board seat is seeing a contested election for the first time in over a decade. Natalie Roman and Galilea Martinez, two young candidates, are running against each other for the position.

Why it matters

Contested school board elections are uncommon in this district, as seats are often uncontested. This race represents an opportunity for new voices and perspectives to shape the future of education in southeast Oklahoma City.

The details

Roman and Martinez, both in their 20s, are vying for the OKCPS District 7 board seat. The district covers a significant portion of southeast Oklahoma City, an area that has historically faced challenges in terms of educational outcomes and resources. The candidates' platforms focus on issues such as improving student achievement, increasing community engagement, and addressing inequities within the district.

  • The election for the OKCPS District 7 board seat is scheduled for April 2, 2026.

The players

Natalie Roman

A 26-year-old community organizer and education advocate running for the OKCPS District 7 board seat.

Galilea Martinez

A 24-year-old teacher and local activist also running for the OKCPS District 7 board seat.

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What they’re saying

“This election is about bringing new energy and fresh ideas to the district. Our community deserves leaders who will listen and fight for the needs of our students.”

— Natalie Roman, Candidate for OKCPS District 7 Board

“I'm running because I believe every child in our district deserves access to a quality education. It's time for bold action to address the inequities that have persisted for too long.”

— Galilea Martinez, Candidate for OKCPS District 7 Board

What’s next

Voters in OKCPS District 7 will have the opportunity to cast their ballots for the school board election on April 2, 2026.

The takeaway

The contested race for the OKCPS District 7 board seat represents a rare opportunity for the community to have a direct say in the future of their local schools. The young, passionate candidates are bringing new energy and ideas to address longstanding educational challenges in southeast Oklahoma City.