Meet Jena
My name is Jena Nelson and I am running for the F ifth D istrict. I know life’s struggles and I know how a good government can make things better. That’s what I’ll fight for in Congress. I’ll work for YOU. I’ll work for US.
Jena Nelson, running to be Oklahoma’s next Representative for Congressional District 5, is a nonprofit development professional, corporate leadership developer, and small business owner who most recently served as acting Executive Director and Director of Programs for the Oklahoma Faith Network. She has been happily married to her husband Karl, a university professor and church choir director, for 21 years. They are proud parents of two children, and also raise chickens, ducks, and bees.
Prior to her work in the nonprofit and corporate realms, Jena was an educator for more than 16 years, winning Oklahoma Teacher of the Year in 2020. She helped her students earn over $4 million in scholarships. Mrs. Nelson was selected to direct at the prestigious Edinburgh Fringe Festival in Scotland and as a presenter at the International Music Festival in Campina Grande Brazil. Also in 2020, she was asked by Congresswoman Kendra Horn to attend the State of the Union Address in Washington D.C. In 2022, Jena ran for State Superintendent of Public Instruction and earned more statewide votes than any other Democrat. She has addressed the National Academy for Science, Engineering, and Medicine, Oklahoma Music Educators Association Conference, and was presented the Award for Teaching Excellence.
"My name is Jena Nelson and I am running for Congress in Oklahoma's 5th District to expose the backroom deals and demand a future that works for ALL of us!"
Members of the U.S. House of Representatives write and vote on federal laws, including the federal budget. Each represents one district and serves a two-year term. Tax bills must start in the House, only the House can impeach federal officials, and members oversee federal agencies through their committees.