Regina Goodwin

Regina Goodwin is an American politician currently serving as a member of the Oklahoma State Senate, representing the 11th district. A member of the Democratic Party, she has been involved in legislative activities since 2015, when she was first elected to the Oklahoma House of Representatives. Goodwin's political career has been marked by her advocacy on issues such as public education, housing, health care, and police reform. She is recognized for her leadership roles, including serving as the Assistant Minority Floor Leader and Chair of the Oklahoma Legislative Black Caucus.

Early life and career

Regina Goodwin was born on September 22, 1962, in Tulsa, Oklahoma. She grew up in the historic Greenwood District, an area known for its significant African American heritage and often referred to as Black Wall Street. This neighborhood has a profound historical context, particularly due to the events surrounding the 1921 Tulsa Race Massacre, which affected many families, including Goodwin's own. Her great-grandfather, James Henri Goodwin, who relocated from Mississippi in 1914, co-founded the Jackson Undertaking Company and managed the Tulsa Star. Both he and his son, Edward Goodwin, survived the massacre. Edward later established The Oklahoma Eagle in 1936, which has become the longest-running Black newspaper in the state. Goodwin's father, Edward Jr., continued the family legacy by running The Oklahoma Eagle.

Goodwin completed her secondary education at Booker T. Washington High School in Tulsa, graduating in 1980. She pursued higher education at the University of Kansas, where she earned a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree. Additionally, she undertook coursework for a master's degree at Columbia College in Chicago, Illinois. Her educational background laid a foundation for her later work in public service and advocacy.

In 2015, Goodwin first sought a seat in the Oklahoma Senate by running in a special election for the 11th district. However, she narrowly lost the Democratic primary to Kevin Matthews. This initial attempt did not deter her from pursuing a political career.

Legislative service

Following her unsuccessful bid for the Senate, Regina Goodwin was elected to the Oklahoma House of Representatives in a special election held in 2015, representing the 73rd district in Tulsa. During her tenure in the House, she took on significant leadership roles, including serving as the Assistant Minority Floor Leader and chairing the Oklahoma Legislative Black Caucus, which consists of seven members. Her legislative work has focused on a variety of critical issues, including public education, housing, health care, and police reform.

Goodwin has been particularly vocal about police reform, especially in light of high-profile incidents involving law enforcement in Tulsa. In 2019, she raised concerns regarding potential excessive use of force by police officers, referencing the 2016 killing of Terrence Crutcher and the 2017 death of Joshua Barre at the hands of Tulsa police. Her advocacy continued in 2020 when she and other members of the Black Caucus called for reforms following an incident where two African American boys were detained by police for jaywalking. Body camera footage from the incident showed concerning interactions between the officers and the minors, prompting further calls for accountability and reform.

In June 2020, Goodwin and her colleagues expressed their concerns about heightened racial tensions and health risks related to COVID-19 when former President Donald Trump announced a campaign rally near the site of the 1921 Tulsa Race Massacre. The rally was initially scheduled for Juneteenth, a significant date in African American history, but was later rescheduled following public outcry.

On the 100th anniversary of the Tulsa Race Massacre in June 2021, Goodwin joined other members of the Black Caucus in advocating for reparations and measures to ensure that such historical tragedies are not repeated. Throughout her time in the Oklahoma House, she authored several bills that became law, including the Caregiver Support Act, which provides resources and financial support for caregivers; the Anti-Shackling Law, which prohibits the shackling of pregnant incarcerated women during labor and delivery; and legislation clarifying the restoration of voting rights for individuals convicted of felonies.

In June 2024, Goodwin successfully won the Democratic primary for the Oklahoma Senate's 11th district, defeating Joe Williams. As no non-Democratic candidates filed for the election, she effectively secured the seat following the primary. She was sworn into office on November 13, 2024, marking a new chapter in her legislative career.

Policy focus and district

Regina Goodwin's policy focus has consistently centered on issues that impact her constituents in Tulsa and the broader Oklahoma community. Her work in the Oklahoma House of Representatives laid the groundwork for her current legislative priorities in the Senate. Goodwin has been particularly active in advocating for public education, emphasizing the need for equitable funding and resources for schools in her district. She has also addressed housing issues, recognizing the importance of affordable housing and community development in fostering a stable environment for families.

Health care is another critical area of focus for Goodwin, who has worked to improve access to health services for underserved populations. Her advocacy for police reform highlights her commitment to addressing systemic issues within law enforcement and ensuring accountability for officers' actions. Goodwin's legislative efforts reflect her dedication to social justice and equity, particularly in the context of her experiences growing up in a historically significant neighborhood.

As a member of the Oklahoma Legislative Black Caucus, Goodwin collaborates with her colleagues to address the unique challenges faced by African American communities in Oklahoma. This collaboration has been instrumental in amplifying the voices of marginalized groups and advocating for policies that promote racial equity and justice.

Goodwin's electoral history demonstrates her strong support within her district, as she was reelected without opposition in multiple election cycles, including 2018, 2020, and 2022. This consistent support indicates a solid foundation of trust and recognition from her constituents, allowing her to continue her work in the Oklahoma State Legislature. As she serves in the Senate, Goodwin remains committed to addressing the needs of her district and advocating for policies that reflect the values and priorities of her community.