Suzie Byrd decided to run for Congress at almost the last possible moment.

Now the Democrat from Enid is challenging longtime Republican U.S. Rep. Frank Lucas in Oklahoma’s sprawling 3rd Congressional District.

In this episode of the Oklahoma Memo podcast, Byrd joins Ryan Welton for a wide-ranging conversation about why she entered the race and what she would try to accomplish in Washington.

They discuss the future of rural health care, Byrd’s support for universal health coverage, the growth of AI data centers and concerns about Oklahoma’s water supply.

Byrd also lays out ideas for supporting smaller family farms and more affordable housing, protecting Social Security and reducing the influence of corporations and wealthy donors in American politics.

And while she’s running as a Democrat, Byrd describes hers as a “purple campaign.” She explains where she differs from the Democratic Party, why she believes politicians need to move toward the middle and why she says she would serve no more than four years if elected.

Plus: Byrd talks about becoming Oklahoma State University’s first female All-American athlete, her years as a journalist and business owner, and why she sees running against a three-decade incumbent as her latest “hard thing.”