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Democratic U.S. Senate candidate Jim Priest joins the Oklahoma Memo Podcast ahead of his August 25 runoff against Jasmine Thomas.

Priest tells Oklahoma Memo founder Ryan Welton why he believes he is the stronger general-election candidate against Republican Sen. Kevin Hern—and why Democrats cannot win statewide without support from independents and crossover Republican voters.

The conversation turns to the rapid arrival of large industrial projects in Oklahoma, including hyperscale data centers. Priest calls for greater transparency, a national vetting framework and stronger support for local officials being asked to evaluate extraordinarily complicated proposals.

Ryan and Priest also discuss rural hospital closures, healthcare affordability, presidential power, tariffs, congressional stock trading, religious freedom and how Democrats can reconnect with working Oklahomans.

The episode concludes with Priest’s argument that restoring trust in government will require transparency, accountability and leaders who are willing to listen.

Oklahoma’s Democratic Senate runoff is August 25, 2026.

Subscribe to the Oklahoma Memo newsletter:
https://www.oklahomamemo.com/subscribe

Learn more about Jim Priest:
https://www.jimpriest.com