Jabar Shumate

Jabar Shumate is a Democratic Party politician in the U.S. state of Oklahoma. He is a current member of the Oklahoma Senate and a former member of the Oklahoma House of Representatives.

Early life and career

Shumate was born January 26, 1976 in Tulsa, Oklahoma. He graduated from the University of Oklahoma with a bachelor's degree in public affairs and administration. During his time at the university, he served as student body president.

Political career

Since his election, Shumate has worked on education reform and health issues. He co-authored a study to look at ways to incentivize healthier foods in urban Tulsa neighborhoods. He has also held leadership positions in the Oklahoma legislative black caucus.

Shumate had a tough 2010 primary, edging out a primary opponent after education unions threw their support behind his opponent.

Shumate left the Oklahoma House of Representatives to run for a state Senate seat. He faced a member of the Tulsa City council in a 2012 primary for the state Senate seat vacated by Judy Eason McIntyre.

Personal life

Shumate married Jillian Leggett on November 12, 2011, after proposing to her at his church on February 13, 2011.