An election for Okmulgee City Council Ward 2 is set for Feb. 10, with voters choosing between incumbent Steven Baldridge and challenger Eddie Nelson Jr.

Nelson is no stranger to the ballot. He ran in last year’s Okmulgee mayoral race, where he was defeated by incumbent Mickey Baldwin. This year, Nelson says he is stepping forward again – not as a career politician, but as a concerned citizen who believes deeply in the future of Okmulgee. “I am not a politician. What you see is what you get,” Nelson said. “I am a bit edgy looking, but my heart has always been for the future of Okmulgee.”

Nelson credits much of who he is today to being raised by his grandmother, who instilled in him a strong work ethic, deep faith, and a belief in personal integrity. “Your word should always be your bond,” he said, a lesson he says has guided his life.

Born and raised in East Los Angeles, Nelson moved to Reno, Nevada, after graduating high school. At the urging of his grandmother, he left Los Angeles in search of better opportunities. He worked a variety of handyman and public-facing jobs, traveling and seeing much of the country while he was young. During that time, he married and became the father of four sons.

“I raised my boys by myself to be men of integrity and to have a strong work ethic,” Nelson said. All four of his sons now live in Okmulgee.

Nelson has called Okmulgee home for more than 25 years. He says his connection to the community deepened when he met his second wife, Kathryn, who brought him to town.

“I fell in love with Okmulgee on day one,” Nelson said. “Okmulgee had a small-town feel with a big heart, and it brought me in. All my boys are here too.”

Today, Nelson is also a proud grandfather to one grandson and three granddaughters.

Though retired and disabled, Nelson says he stays busy maintaining his home, gardening, and remaining engaged in the community. He believes Okmulgee has lost some of the family- friendly amenities it once had and says restoring those opportu- nities should be a priority.

“Our kids need places to play,” Nelson said. “We used to have things here – parks, splash pads, skating rinks. Now parents have to spend their money in Tulsa or Broken Arrow instead of keeping it here.”

Nelson has also voiced concerns about parts of the city that appear run down and believes community improvement starts with neighbors helping neighbors. He has proposed ideas such as updating parks, creating spaces where families can gather safely, hosting youth fishing tournaments at local lakes, and working more closely with local businesses to boost engagement and economic activity.

“A lot of what I want to see happen takes community buy-in,” Nelson said. “I don’t like seeing one person take credit for what is clearly teamwork.”

With experience working with people from diverse backgrounds and managing businesses, Nelson believes he would be a strong team player on the city council, collaborating with fellow councilors and city leadership.

Faith, Nelson said, is central to his decision to run, but he emphasizes that it is shown through actions rather than words.

“You can tell a lot about a person when the spotlight and cameras are off,” he said. “My personal integrity and faith drive me to be a better person daily, and that’s why I’m running.”

Nelson says he is motivated by what he sees as a critical moment for the community.

“For too long, people have said how much they love Okmulgee, yet our town is losing on so many levels,” he said. “Our kids need places to play, quality education, and families need fun, wholesome things to do in our town.”

As election day approaches, Nelson is encouraging residents to take part in the democratic process.

“I would be honored to have your vote and am available anytime to talk about why I am running,” Nelson said.

Reflecting on last year’s mayoral election, Nelson also offered a message of thanks and a renewed call to voters.

“I would like to sincerely thank the 299 people out of 5,000 who got up to vote for me as mayor,” he said. “This year I am running for city council. The election is February 10, and I hope more of you get up to vote in this election as well.”

The Ward 2 election will be held Feb. 10, giving Okmulgee voters the opportunity to decide who will represent them on the city council for the coming term.