Cyndi Munson

Cyndi Ann Munson is an American politician who has served as a member of the Oklahoma House of Representatives from the 85th district since 2015. A member of the Democratic Party, she has served as minority leader of the Oklahoma House of Representatives since 2022.
In 2015, Munson won a special election to replace David Dank, securing over 54% of the vote and becoming the first Asian American to serve in the Oklahoma State Legislature. Prior to her election, the district, which includes parts of Oklahoma City, had been held by Republicans. She is a candidate for governor of Oklahoma in the 2026 election.

Early life and education

Munson was born in Monterey, California, and raised in Lawton, Oklahoma. Munson's father was a member of the military. Munson's mother was born in Seoul, South Korea. Munson earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in political science from the University of Central Oklahoma and Master of Science in leadership education from the University of Nebraska–Lincoln. As an undergraduate, Munson participated in a program in non-profit and voluntary services at Georgetown University.

Career

Prior to entering politics, Munson has worked as a non-profit executive. Munson first ran for the Oklahoma House of Representatives in 2014, but lost to the incumbent.
Munson was elected to the Oklahoma House in 2015, the first Asian-American to serve in the Oklahoma Legislature. In 2019, Munson was selected to serve on the Oversight Committee for the Legislative Office for Fiscal Transparency. In 2022, Munson succeeded Emily Virgin as minority leader of the Oklahoma House of Representatives. She was the first Asian American nominee for Speaker of the Oklahoma House of Representatives.
In April 2025, Munson announced her candidacy for Governor of Oklahoma.