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Democrat drops re-election bid after fake kissing photo misstep — but fellow Democrats still want more
The former chair of the Oklahoma Democratic Party has now dropped his re-election campaign after a misstep involving an AI-generated kissing image. Yet for some members of his party, he still has not done enough.
On Monday, Oklahoma state Rep. John Waldron, 57, confirmed that he will no longer seek another term even though he just filed for re-election earlier this month. In a Facebook post, Waldron called the decision "the right thing to do" for his constituents and his efforts "to be a better person."
'I absolutely think Rep. Waldron should resign, and I am disappointed he has not done it already.'
The Facebook post also made vague references to having done "something which was wrong and hurt someone" and that "shouldn't have happened." The post did not divulge the details of the incident, but Waldron has admitted that his resignation as state party chair in December related to a fake image of him kissing a woman.
According to NonDoc, Waldron met with a female prospective political candidate last fall and then had AI generate a GIF of the two of them "making out." Between Waldron's statements and details from someone who has seen the GIF, NonDoc, which has not seen the GIF, believes that "an AI tool morphed multiple selfies into a video of Waldron and the woman kissing, replete with smooching and sighing sound effects."
Waldron then sent the GIF to the woman, whose identity has not been revealed.
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- YouTube
"I was under enormous personal stress. I made a mistake, which I instantly regretted. I’ve accepted every consequence that was asked of me, and I’ve done a lot of personal work. I’m still deeply regretful for making that decision," Waldron said Thursday, when his re-election campaign was still alive.
Waldron repeated those expressions of remorse in his Facebook post. "In an instant, I sacrificed my integrity," he wrote. "... I full-heartedly respect and understand what I did was wrong."
"Some have said it was because I was caught, but it sincerely is because I know what I did was wrong and I have let many of you down."
Waldron also stated multiple times that he has sought professional help to improve himself. "I have been going and will continue to go to counseling and therapy sessions, and I am implementing the lessons I glean from every session into my life every day to become a better person," he said.
"Stepping aside is the right thing to do for the people of District 77 and for me to continue my personal therapy to be a better person."
Despite the extensive apologies, many female members of the Oklahoma Democratic Party are still not satisfied. In fact, state Reps. Amanda Clinton, Michelle McCane, Cyndi Munson, and Suzanne Schreiber have all demanded that he resign his seat immediately.
"I absolutely think Rep. Waldron should resign, and I am disappointed he has not done it already," Schreiber said Monday.
"While I appreciate him ending his campaign, I still believe he should resign, as not sexually harassing someone should be the bare minimum we can expect from our elected officials," said McCane.
Oklahoma Democratic Party Chairwoman Erin Brewer called Waldron's behavior "unforgivable."
According to NonDoc, Waldron's withdrawal means that in November, Democrat candidate Kristina Gabriel will almost assuredly win the District 77 seat representing parts of Tulsa. Waldron, a former high school history teacher, has held the seat since 2018.
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Kimmel’s Bromance With Disgraced Eric Swalwell Burns Out, But Pro-Dem Bias Remains
Late-night broadcast television has become a wasteland of one-party rule that is long overdue for regulatory correction.Long-shot Democrat candidate in Florida allegedly threatens to kill 'two elderly victims' — possibly his parents: VIDEO
Whatever hopes Kevin Cichowski had of launching a political career are now likely over after he was arrested in connection with an attack on two elderly individuals in Florida last week.
On Friday morning, the Flagler County Sheriff’s Office was alerted to a 911 call from a residence in Palm Coast about what the office described as "a domestic disturbance with a weapon." According to the 911 caller, the allegedly armed suspect "had battered two elderly victims in the home — hitting one with a cane and throwing a cellphone at the other."
'This is insane.'
The 911 caller, who was one of the two victims, claimed the suspect "had threatened to kill them multiple times and stated he would kill law enforcement if they were called," the sheriff's office said.
What's worse, the two victims were holed up in a bedroom of the residence, unable to escape because one of the victims was "bedridden," the sheriff's office added. Deputies at the scene managed to help the victims evacuate the residence safely.
The suspect was identified as 46-year-old Kevin Cichowski.
Bodycam footage, obtained and shared by the New York Post, reveals Cichowski rambling about his mother and father during his arrest. The outlet noted that though the sheriff's office did not verify any relation between the parties involved, the two victims are believed to be Cichowski's parents.
"I can't believe this is happening," Cichowski says as a deputy escorts him out of the residence in handcuffs, video shows.
"I haven't done anything wrong," he adds. "This is insane."
- YouTube
Cichowski has been charged with two counts of aggravated assault with a deadly weapon, two counts of battery on a person over 65, aggravated battery with a deadly weapon, tampering with a witness, and two counts of robbery by sudden snatching.
During his trip to jail, Cichowski expressed suicidal ideation, the sheriff's office said, prompting detention under the Florida Baker Act, which involves detaining those experiencing a mental health episode and who may pose a threat to personal or public safety.
Jail records indicate he remains in custody as of Monday evening. Cichowski was also arrested in 2024 for domestic battery, domestic battery by strangulation, and false imprisonment.
The Facebook post from the sheriff's office noted Cichowski's attempted forays into Floridian politics: "Cichowski is running for election for Governor of Florida. Cichowski previously ran for Palm Coast mayor in 2021."
Cichowski did indeed file for the Florida gubernatorial race as a Democrat on March 24, according to Florida State Department records.
Even before his arrest, however, his prospects were rather dim. The Democratic field is already crowded with former Rep. David Jolly and Orange County Mayor Jerry Demings dominating the race. One poll released following Cichowski's entry has him registering nominal support.
Cichowski's campaign and the Florida Democratic Party did not respond to requests for comment from Blaze News.
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