Rep. Stephanie Bice (R., Okla.) is taking over Oklahoma’s airwaves in the final weeks of the 2026 elections, spending $600,000 in a broadcast and digital media ad buy that was obtained exclusively by the Washington Reporter.
“Stephanie Bice is making a difference in the lives of every hardworking Oklahoman,” the narrator says. “It’s a difference you’re starting to see in your wallet. Bice led the fight for tax relief, and for paid family medical leave. She voted to end taxes on tips, overtime, and Social Security.”
Bice’s message in her ad focuses on delivering results, cleaning up Congress, and making sure Oklahomans keep more of what they earn; the Oklahoma lawmaker is heading into the home stretch with over $2 million in cash on hand.
While national Democrats are signaling an interest in playing in Oklahoma’s 5th District, which hasn’t been won by a Democrat this decade, Bice doesn’t mention her Democratic opponent, Jena Nelson.
“I have a record of results, not rhetoric,” Bice explained. “Protecting Social Security, voting to ban congressional stock trading, and supporting the child tax credit to help families keep more of what they earn. I’m focused on lowering costs, cleaning up Congress, and making Washington work for Oklahoma families.”
Democrats are citing one internal poll from Nelson’s campaign as their key reason for optimism in this district in particular, in addition to broader national trends. That poll, however, only shows the race tied after an informed ballot reading; with only weeks to go until the election, and with Bice swamping Nelson in fundraising, the Democrat is unlikely to reach name ID parity with the incumbent. Nelson’s own poll also shows Bice with substantially more name ID.
Nevertheless, Bice said that she is “taking nothing for granted.” During the 2018 blue wave, Rep. Steve Russell (R., Okla.) was caught asleep at the wheel, giving Democrats a rare opportunity to win the Oklahoma City-based district. “I’m working every day to earn the trust and support of Oklahomans and would be honored to be reelected to serve them in Congress.”
