Tom Guild, left, speaks to campaign workers and supporters during a watch party Aug. 23, 2016, in Oklahoma City, for the Democratic nomination runoff for the 5th Congressional District race. [Photo by Jim Beckel, The Oklahoman]

One is a progressive who supports single-payer health care. Another is a moderate who shies away from liberal labels and hopes to win over Republicans. The third is a political novice with positions somewhere in between.

Democratic candidates for the 5th District congressional race represent a national divide in the party that dates back to a bruising 2016 presidential primary between Hillary Clinton and Bernie Sanders: how liberal is too liberal?

“If we elect an establishment Democrat in this district, we lose,” said Tom Guild, a 63-year-old retired law professor from Edmond. “Until the Democratic Party learns that lesson, they will lose.”

He said Democrats need to elect a candidate who will look working people in the eye and say, “Damn it, we're with you and we mean it and here's what we're going to do.”