Candidate Details
OK House District: HD 31
Party Affiliation: Republican
Website:
https://www.griderforhouse2020.com/
Email:
karmin.grider@gmail.com
Phone:
(405) 939-0655
Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/KarminGriderforStateHouse2020/
Twitter:
Biography
EARLY YEARS
I was born and raised in Oklahoma to a family that loves God, one another, our state, and Oklahoma football. My parents, teachers, and coaches instilled in me personal responsibility and confidence in who I am and my capabilities. I was an avid student in the classroom and I especially loved American history. That passion for learning has only grown since my very first lesson in coloring between the lines. Being a fierce competitor since birth, I began playing sports at a young age and fell in love with the intensity and athleticism of football, basketball, and track. I loved being outside as much as possible playing, hiking, and exploring—and still do to this day.
EDUCATION AND CAREER
After high school I pursued higher education and graduated from the University of Oklahoma. There I took advantage of the Multi-disciplinary Degree Program and created my own unique program in behavioral science and constitutional studies, graduating with a Bachelor’s in Leadership Organization and Social Issues. After receiving my degree, I entered grad school and earned a Masters in Executive Leadership from Liberty University. During my time at OU and throughout grad school I worked in childcare and education with ages pre-k 4 through 9th grade as a camp counselor, teacher assistant, substitute teacher, and coach. Currently I am a freelance Leadership Coach and Consultant, involved in ministry, and until deciding to run for office, I served as Logan County GOP’s Vice-chairwoman.
RELATIONSHIPS
Within the past year I married Joseph Grider who is an electrical contractor and involved in ministry as well. Joey and I are a unit ready to serve however we are called. In addition to being a wife, I am a daughter, sister, niece, aunt, cousin, and friend. The people in my life who recognize me in these ways sharpen me and constantly encourage me in my walk with Christ Jesus by their examples and their love. They certainly are wonderful individuals.
WHY I AM RUNNING
FAITH | FAMILY | FREEDOM
In this day- innocent babies are killed in the womb, children are inundated with social issues and competing ideologies, and parents are losing authority in raising their sons and daughters. Further, our Government merely provides bureaucratic quick fixes to schools while deceitful tax schemes are consuming the wealth of hard-working families. Finally, we are told we must exclude our faith from the public square, speak only what is politically correct and inoffensive, and that we must give up our means of protection for our families because of the actions of evil people.
I am running for House District 31 because I want to protect the God-given rights of families to raise their children in free and prosperous communities so they may become who they were created to be and live to their fullest capabilities.
Platform Issues
Maintain 1st and 2nd Amendment Rights
We have a right to believe and worship as we choose, speak as we decide, and defend ourselves and our loved ones. These rights are not only fundamental to our nation but our culture as well. Combined, they affirm the entirety of an individual—the spiritual, mental, emotional, and physical aspects of a person. As every human is endowed by our Creator, each one of us wholly matters and ought to be protected. I oppose any government intrusion in religious establishments, and reject the elimination of religion from the public square. Likewise, I oppose limitations to free speech in classrooms and workplaces. I support the right of the people to keep and bear arms, and I support legislation that would protect gun manufacturers and owners from frivolous lawsuits.
Fight Tax Increases
The State is not our parent or God. In order to limit taxation, we must limit government to its proper role of protecting life and property. We must shift the responsibility for charity back to religious organizations, nonprofits, and private institutions. Taxes should be minimal and the allocation of taxpayers' money ought to be transparent to the public. It is a confident, comfortable private sector that attracts families and businesses and promotes prosperity. I support auditing our state government for inefficient spending, eliminating corporate welfare, and keeping taxes low so families can choose where and how they spend their own money.
Ensure Parental Rights
Parents are the first and primary source of love, nourishment, and instruction for children, as well as their foremost authority. Whether in areas of health, education, or faith, the state should never infringe upon parental rights to make decisions for their children. I support the right of parents to access and examine all records, curriculum, and programs affecting their children and their right to grant or withhold consent for their children to participate in any healthcare or education program whatsoever.
Protect The Pre-Born
We are all endowed by our Creator with the inalienable right to life. This includes all stages of life—embryonic to adulthood. Our Oklahoma Constitution states: “all persons have the inherent right to life, liberty, the pursuit of happiness, and the enjoyment of the gains of their own industry” (Article II Section 2). Human life begins at the moment of conception regardless of what progressive politicians and activists say. It is not the government’s job to redefine this absolute truth or to regulate the right to life. It is the government’s job to protect its citizens at EVERY stage of life. I support state legislation that would end abortion immediately.