Galilea Martinez wins OKCPS District 7 school board seat

New school board member pledges to advocate for Latino community in Oklahoma City

Apr. 8, 2026 at 3:16am

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A cinematic painting of a solitary school bus parked on a city street, with warm sunlight and deep shadows creating a contemplative, nostalgic mood that reflects the significance of this local election.The election of Galilea Martinez to the OKCPS school board signals a new era of Latino representation and advocacy in Oklahoma City's public education system.Oklahoma City Today

Galilea Martinez has been elected to the Oklahoma City Public Schools (OKCPS) school board, representing District 7. Martinez, a community organizer, campaigned on issues important to the city's Latino population, including addressing the impact of ICE enforcement on students and families.

Why it matters

Martinez's victory marks an important milestone for representation on the OKCPS board, which oversees one of the most diverse school districts in the state. Her election is seen as a win for the city's growing Latino community, which has historically been underrepresented in local government.

The details

Martinez, a 32-year-old community organizer, defeated incumbent board member Natalie Roman in the April 2026 election. During the campaign, Martinez emphasized the need to support undocumented students and families affected by ICE raids and deportations, as well as increasing access to bilingual education programs.

  • The election was held on April 2, 2026.
  • Martinez will be sworn in to her new role on the OKCPS board on April 15, 2026.

The players

Galilea Martinez

A 32-year-old community organizer who was elected to the OKCPS school board, representing District 7.

Natalie Roman

The incumbent OKCPS board member who was defeated by Martinez in the District 7 election.

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What they’re saying

“Southside I love you!”

— Galilea Martinez, OKCPS District 7 School Board Member-Elect

What’s next

Martinez will be sworn in to her new role on the OKCPS board on April 15, 2026, where she will begin advocating for her policy priorities related to supporting the city's Latino community.

The takeaway

Galilea Martinez's victory in the OKCPS District 7 school board election represents an important step forward for Latino representation in Oklahoma City's local government. Her focus on issues impacting undocumented students and families signals a shift in the board's priorities.