McClain County Democrats will hold their next meeting at 6:30 p.m. on Tuesday, May 19 at Libby’s Cafe in Goldsby. Jim Priest, candidate for U.S. Senate, will be their guest speaker.
McClain County Democrats secretary Aris Kihara said Priest is a lawyer, an ordained minister, a nonprofit leader, and a lifelong problem solver who believes public service should be about people, not politics.
She said Priest is running for the U.S. Senate to bring practical leadership, ethical judgment, and a servant’s heart to Washington.
“For more than 40 years, Jim has worked directly with working people, families, and organizations facing real challenges. His career has been defined by listening first, telling the truth, and doing the hard work of finding solutions that actually last,” Kihara said. “Jim began his professional life as an employmentlaw trial lawyer, representing and advising people on some of the most difficult moments of their working lives.
“Over four decades, he has helped employees, employers, and organizations navigate conflict, fairness, and accountability in the workplace.”
She said that beyond the courtroom, Jim expanded his work as an executive coach and mediator, helping leaders and teams resolve disputes, improve culture, and move forward together.
“That experience taught him an important lesson: most problems don’t get solved by shouting or picking sides — they get solved by listening, understanding, and acting in good faith. That same mindset guides his approach to public service.”
Priest served as CEO, what he often calls “Chief Encouragement Officer,” of two major Oklahoma City nonprofits that provide workforce development and critical services to families and individuals in need. In those roles, he led diverse teams, managed large budgets, and helped organizations grow while staying focused on their mission.
He earned a reputation for being accessible, down to earth, and deeply connected to both employees and the community.
Kihara said, “Jim focused on building positive workplace cultures where people felt valued, supported, and empowered to do their best work. For him, leadership has always meant putting people first — not titles, egos, or politics.”
