Kevin Dawson
for
Oklahoma Democratic Party State Chair
It is exciting to announce the candidacy of Kevin Dawson for Oklahoma Democratic Party State Chair.
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As a lifelong Democrat with a deep commitment to the values and principles of our party, Kevin is eager to bring his experience, passion, and vision to this important role.
Meet Kevin
Kevin Dawson has a story rooted in service, hard work, and community.​
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Kevin was born in Wichita, Kansas, to parents who overcame deep hardship. His father, born into poverty in rural Colorado, served in World War II after benefiting from FDR’s New Deal. His mother, raised during the Great Depression in Kansas, built B-29 bombers at Boeing during the war.
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After the war, they settled in Wichita, where Kevin—youngest of five—grew up in a home that valued service, union work, and civic duty. Inspired by his family’s example, he joined the railroad at 18, quickly becoming one of the youngest locomotive engineers in the country.
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Kevin spent over four decades in the rail industry, serving in union leadership roles and later as a senior manager. After objecting to unethical practices in 2017, he returned to the engineer’s seat until his retirement in 2022. He remained a proud union member throughout.
In the wake of January 6, Kevin launched Coffee with Democrats, a grassroots nonprofit focused on political engagement. While the group wound down in 2024, his passion for organizing continues.
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Kevin and his wife, Joann—married since 1983—raised three children and now enjoy eight grandchildren. Joann works at the University of Oklahoma after a long career in education.
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His life is a reflection of working-class values, lifelong advocacy, and a deep belief in standing up when it counts.
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Roadmap to Success
✅ Party Infrastructure Development
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Grow membership & visibility across rural & urban Oklahoma through grassroots "Public Square" events
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Strengthen precincts & county parties with training, tools, templates & leadership development
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Revitalize the County Chairs Association for collaboration & support
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Launch fundraising programs in addition to the new DNC investments under Chair Ken Martin.
✅ Elect More Democrats
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Recruit & support candidates at all levels through partnerships & training
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Develop a pipeline of future young leaders & candidates through recruitment, training, and strategic support.
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Strengthen the party by developing precincts to drive voter engagement, registration, & candidate recruitment.
✅ Party of the Working Class
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Be the Party of the Working Class​
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Host annual Labor & Workers’ Rights Roundtables
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Support unions, advocate for fair wages & back pro-worker legislation
✅ Work with Democratic Leaders
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Collaborate with Senate & House Democrats to push forward a shared legislative agenda
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Assign staff to support elected officials & party-aligned initiatives
✅ Plan for the Long-Term
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Launch a permanent grassroots campaign strategy with a
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Focus deeply on rural outreach, community ties, & sustainable growth.
✅ Effective Communication & Outreach
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Kevin pledges to serve with full transparency, refusing a salary, & using funds for growth & organizing
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Use social media, targeted ads, & quarterly town halls to connect with voters
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Launch a party “War Room” to fight disinformation & respond in real time with clear, coordinated messaging.
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Build a proactive communications stream using a statewide calendar to amplify our values, priorities, and wins.
✅ Empower Voices for Justice
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Partner with Federations & organizations representing marginalized communities to amplify priorities
Education
2004
Southeast Community College, Beatrice, Nebraska
2009
University of Oklahoma
Kevin attended Southeast Community College in Beatrice, Nebraska, where he pursued an Associate's in General Studies. This program provided him with a diverse educational experience, allowing him to explore various subjects and develop essential skills in critical thinking and communication.
Kevin graduated with a Bachelor’s Degree in Administrative Leadership from the University of Oklahoma. His educational journey was filled with valuable experiences that enhanced his understanding effective leadership and management.
2015
University of Oklahoma
Earning his Master’s Degree in Administrative Leadership from the University of Oklahoma was a transformative experience. Kevin engaged in a dynamic curriculum that blended theory with practical applications, allowing him to develop essential leadership skills.