Solutions, Not Soundbites

“Oklahomans deserve leaders who listen first, work hard, and treat every problem like it can be solved. I've built a career on bringing people together, identifying solutions, and following through. That's the same steady, thoughtful approach I'll bring to the Capitol.”

A resident of Newalla in House District 36, Leslie came to Oklahoma from Kentucky after high school as a student at East Central University in Ada and later attended the University of Oklahoma in Norman. She built a career in the automotive industry where she led production teams, provided strategic planning and scheduling expertise in global automotive manufacturing across the Midwest. In the early 2000s, her career in the auto industry brought her back to Oklahoma where her attachment to our great state of Oklahoma grew. 

“I've lived and worked in communities all over the country, but nowhere else have I seen the kind of caring and resilience that Oklahomans show every day. That's what keeps me inspired--the people who lend a hand, stand up for their communities and make this state a great place to live.” 

Leslie ended her automotive career in 2012 and she earned a BS in Geology from the University of Akron. In Ohio, she owned and operated a small business. As a single-employee business owner, Leslie developed an even deeper appreciation for hard work, risk, and resilience required to succeed in small business. 

When planning her move to Oklahoma for retirement in 2022, Leslie took a session-only position at the Oklahoma House of Representatives. She helped process legislation and support daily operations in House’s Bill Processing Department for 2 years. This experience gave her a front-row view of Oklahoma’s government in action. This vital work experience in the Oklahoma House inspired Leslie to run for office in 2026.

“There is a need for ordinary people with extraordinary ideas to ensure that all Oklahomans needs and wants are addressed in all levels of government.”

Now officially retired, Leslie continues to give back to her community in meaningful ways. She volunteers with the National Interscholastic Cycling Association (NICA), mentoring and coaching young athletes and sharing her love of mountain biking and the outdoors. She also fosters pets with 405 Animal Rescue. 

Whether mentoring student athletes, advocating for her community, caring for unwanted pets, or organizing local volunteers, Leslie believes leadership begins with service, empathy, and respect.

Health care should be accessible, affordable, and reliable for every Oklahoman. Leslie supports protecting Medicare and Medicaid from cuts, regulating insurance pricing to reduce costs, and incentivizing preventive care by helping Oklahomans afford transportation and lodging for tests and treatments. She will also work to expand mental health services across the state, ensuring those in crisis have support and care close to home.

Strong schools are the foundation for a strong Oklahoma. Leslie will work to raise teacher pay, retain and attract top educators, and ensure our taxes fund Oklahoma public schools. She supports repealing the school voucher program that siphons resources away from public school classrooms and believes religion belongs in churches, not public schools. Leslie will also work to expand early childhood learning programs and increase funding for small local colleges to make higher education more accessible to rural students.

Democracy works best when everyone can participate in elections. Leslie supports State Question 836 to open Oklahoma’s primary elections to all voters, regardless of party affiliation. She will work to expand mail-in voting, increase the number of polling stations and their hours of operations, as well as ensure election sites are secure, transparent, and free from interference.

No Oklahoman working full time should struggle to make ends meet. Leslie supports raising the minimum wage to a living wage, increasing union representation to strengthen benefits, and diversifying Oklahoma’s economy through infrastructure investment and recruiting new industries.

Tariffs have increased farming production costs and reduced yield revenue, creating significant financial challenges for Oklahoma farmers and ranchers. Ongoing uncertainty in trade policy has left many producers at risk of bankruptcy. Leslie is committed to helping Oklahoma’s agricultural community by connecting farmers and ranchers with state grants and low-interest loans, ensuring they have the resources needed to sustain their operations and protect their livelihoods.

As a long-time cyclist and youth mentor, Leslie knows the power of cycling to strengthen both bodies and communities. She will advocate for expanding Oklahoma cycling infrastructure, supporting organizations like the national interscholastic cycling association (NICA), Bike Club, and promoting programs that help families stay active, connected, and healthy.