Voters in Enid, northwest Oklahoma, removed a City Council member with ties to white nationalism, according to unofficial results posted Tuesday on the Oklahoma Election Board website.
With all four precincts reporting in Enid’s Ward 1, voters chose to recall 42-year-old Judd Blevins. Instead, they chose Cheryl Patterson, a grandmother and long-time youth leader at a local church, to fill the position.
Despite his affiliation with white supremacist groups, Blevins, an Iraq War veteran, narrowly won the position last year.
Blevins admitted at a community discussion this week that he attended the Unite the Right demonstration in Charlottesville, Virginia, in 2017. He also acknowledged having been involved with the now-defunct white nationalist group Identity Evropa.
When asked at the forum about his involvement in the rally and his ties to Identity Evropa, he said: “Bringing attention to the same issues that got Donald Trump elected in 2016: securing America’s borders, reforming our legal immigration system, and, quite frankly, pushing back on this anti-white hatred that is so common in media entertainment.”
Two longtime Enid residents, best friends Connie Vickers and Nancy Presnall, both Democrats, initiated the recall attempt in Oklahoma in a county where Republicans outnumber Democrats about 4-to-1 in voter registration.
In a statement regarding the election results, Blevins expressed his gratitude to his supporters, including voters, volunteers, donors, and those who have provided prayers and support. He acknowledged the efforts of a coalition consisting of leftists and moderates, as well as the extensive media coverage from local, state, and national outlets. Blevins also mentioned the use of scare tactics, which falsely portrayed the future of Vance AFB, and were shamefully endorsed by the establishment. Despite these challenges, Blevins remained steadfast in his conservative values. He recognized that this trial not only affected him but also impacted many individuals within the community. Through it all, Blevins emphasized his determination to fight for what he believes in, finish the race, and stay true to his faith.
