OKLAHOMA CITY, OKLA (KOKH) — The Oklahoma Democratic Party has announced a new Chair following Representative John Waldron’s resignation due to personal reasons.

Waldron serves as the Representative for Oklahoma House District 77 and announced his resignation on Monday.

“It is with sincere consideration that I announce my resignation as Chair of the Oklahoma Democratic Party for personal reasons,” Waldron said. “With the legislative session coming up and pressing family commitments, I am handing over the reins to my capable partners on the executive committee. I’m proud of what we’ve accomplished in revitalizing our party statewide over the past six months and I’m confident that work will continue under Erin Brewer’s leadership. Put simply, I’ve been pushing myself too hard, working four jobs very intensively this year. I lost my mother in October and my son is a junior in high school. I need to focus on my family and my own health. Thanks for understanding.”

The Oklahoma Democratic Party Vice Chair Erin Brewer has assumed the role of Chair of the Oklahoma Democratic Party. According to the Oklahoma Democrats, Brewer is hitting the ground running and continuing to bring her strong track record of relentless organizing, policy expertise, and ability to mobilize resources and voters to the table.

Brewer said she is ready to continue Waldron’s work and keep up the momentum.

“Over the last six months, Oklahoma Democrats have knocked thousands of doors, cheered as 100 candidates have stepped up to run for office, rebuilt our county party operations, earned the trust of donors large and small, and elevated our visibility and brand statewide,” Chair Erin Brewer said. “We are ready to maintain and expand this momentum into 2026. I am beyond grateful to the dedication of our staff, volunteers, and supporters.”

The Oklahoma Democratic Party said it is confident in the ongoing partnership of its elected officials, staff, local Democratic organizations, and State Central Committee, stating:

“We will continue to make progress toward our goal of flipping seats in 2026. It is as important as ever that we remain singularly focused on our mission to engage, connect, and organize in order to elect more Democrats across Oklahoma.”

The party said it is thankful for Waldron and what he did for the party during his time as chair:

“We are beyond grateful for his service to our state and party, particularly his commitment to building a strong slate of candidates for 2026.

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MAYES COUNTY, Oklahoma — An Idaho Falls man died in a helicopter crash Friday in Oklahoma.

Emanuele Tsikoudakis, 56, was piloting the helicopter when it crashed nose-first into the ground near County Road East 550 and County Road 4355 in Mayes County, according to the Oklahoma Highway Patrol.

According to an OHP report, two people were working on pulling lines around 9 a.m. with the helicopter overhead guiding them so they would not catch a wire. The people told investigators the helicopter was hovering overhead when it suddenly flipped over backwards and dove straight to the ground, Fox 23 News reports.

Tsikoudakis was the only person in the helicopter. He was pronounced dead at the scene.

The FAA and NTSB is investigating the crash.