Service in Action

East Norman resident Annie Menz is running for State Representative of House District 45. The seat is currently held by Representative Merleyn Bell, who is not seeking re-election.

Born in Oklahoma City, Annie Menz was raised by an Army veteran father and an immigrant mother. At age 17, she enlisted in the United States Navy. She holds an Associate of Arts degree from Oklahoma City Community College and currently studies part-time at the University of Oklahoma while working full-time as a nonpartisan Executive Assistant for the Oklahoma State Senate.  

“Watching my family serve our country and community, I learned the value of hard work and public service at an early age. Since concluding my service with the Navy, I’ve continually sought opportunities to make a difference. For the past six years at the Capitol, I’ve specialized in legislative research, constituent communication and casework, and developed relationships on both sides of the aisle. This campaign is an opportunity to represent my community of east Norman and continue putting service into action.” 

Menz’s professional experience includes six years as a nonpartisan Legislative and Executive Assistant at the Capitol and three years with non-profit organizations that provide behavioral care, immunizations, and prescription drugs to low-income communities. Recreationally, Annie and her son enjoy camping, kayaking, hiking around Lake Thunderbird, and stargazing on clear summer nights.

Menz’s platform includes protecting our natural resources from government overreach, investing in public education, expanding mental health care access, and providing tangible support for working families.  

“I’m fighting for the millions of Oklahoma children, veterans, and working families who need fully-funded public schools, mental health care, and a living wage. We lose too many neighbors to suicide, yet behavioral health appears less of a priority to some state leaders than a turnpike our community doesn’t want. As State Representative, I will demand accountability, meet folks where they are, and put service into action.”    

Menz is a member of the American Legion and the Oklahoma Women Veterans Organization. She is the founder of the annual Hispanic Cultural Day at the State Capitol and a founding member of the Oklahoma Legislative Latino Caucus. In 2017, she received the NextGen Under-30 award and was named Veteran of The Year by the Oklahoma Democratic Veterans Committee. If elected, Menz will be the first Latina member of the Oklahoma House of Representatives.  

“As a single working mom, I’m often asked how I manage, but that question never enters my mind. I’m a listener and a hard worker, striving to be a servant leader. I have a tight grasp on the job at hand, and I am ready and qualified. I’d be honored to serve as your State Representative and I can’t wait to visit with my neighbors in District 45.”