A Democratic congressional candidate running to represent a district in Oklahoma has apologized after he was caught removing some of his primary opponent’s yard signs from near a busy intersection in Oklahoma City.
“Sometimes, in the heat and rush of a campaign, mistakes are made,” Tom Guild told the Oklahoman in a statement Monday. “On reflection, removing some of my opponent’s signs — for any reason — was a mistake on my part for which I sincerely apologize.”
Guild was accused by Oklahoma City School Board member Mark Mann on social media of taking signs promoting Democratic candidate Kendra Horn ahead of Tuesday’s primary between Guild, Horn and four other rivals vying to represent Oklahoma’s 5th Congressional District.
News outlets also received security footage of the incident late Monday, in which a man wearing gloves who resembles Guild takes three of Horn’s signs from their metal frames.
Horn told the Oklahoman the election wasn’t about the signs, but policy concerns like education and healthcare.
“But voters should hold candidates accountable when it comes to values and ethics as well,” she said. “I’m calling on my supporters to focus on talking to their friends and family about our campaign and the issues that matter most to them.”
Oklahoma’s 5th Congressional District is held by Rep. Steve Russell, R-Okla. He faces two challenges in his own primary.
