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Oklahoma Democratic Party
Political party in Oklahoma From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
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The Oklahoma Democratic Party (ODP) is an Oklahoma political party affiliated with the Democratic Party. It and the Oklahoma Republican Party, are the state's two major parties.
The party dominated local politics in Oklahoma almost since the days of early statehood in 1907 to 1994. In national politics, the party became a dominant force beginning with the presidential election of 1932 and the Franklin D. Roosevelt political re-alignment. From 1932 to 1994, the majority of members of Congress from Oklahoma have been Democrats, and of the 28 men and women who have been elected to the office of Governor of Oklahoma, 22 have been Democrats.[4]
However, the party has fared poorly since 1994; Democrats lost five out of six congressional races that year. Since then, they have won only a handful of seats, which they no longer hold. In response, the traditionally disorganized Oklahoma Democrats moved to create a more organized state party, hiring a professional executive director in 1995.[5] Even so, ODP continued to decline in the 2000s, losing control of both the Oklahoma House of Representatives and Senate. In the 2008 Presidential Election, Oklahoma gave one of the lowest percentage of any state's vote to Barack Obama, second only to Wyoming.[6] Since 2004, Republicans have won every county in Presidential Elections in Oklahoma.[7]
As of January 21, 2025, there are 658,136 registered Democratic voters in Oklahoma. This marks an increase in absolute terms from 652,611 in 2024, but a relative decrease from 28.4% to 26.6% of registered voters.[8]
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History
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Statehood and the 20th Century
The Oklahoma Democratic Party once dominated state politics for much of Oklahoma history from with its strength in greatest concentrations in Oklahoma's 5th congressional district and the southeastern part of the state.[5]
Upon statehood, all but one of the Congressional seats was held by Democrats. The Democrats won eighteen of the twenty-one gubernatorial elections since its statehood in 1907. The Democratic Party held on average 81 percent of the seats in the state legislature between 1907 and 1973.[9] With the onset of the Great Depression, the party gained even more influence for several decades
Democratic opposition to deficit spending in the late 1930s marked a growing conservative movement in the party, which led to a 1941 constitutional amendment requiring legislators to pass a balanced budget.[10]
After the federal Voting Rights Act and congressional reapportionment in Oklahoma in the 1960s, black state lawmakers returned to the Oklahoma Legislature, this time many aligning with the Democratic Party and hailing from Tulsa or Oklahoma City.[11]
Since the 1980s the party has seen a decline as Christian fundamentalists have shifted to the Republican Party. The Democratic Party has not attained more than 41 percent of the vote for president.
21st Century
As of 2000 about 55 percent of Oklahoma voters registered as Democrats.[5] The party continued to decline in strength in both the Oklahoma Legislature and executive branch during the 2000 and 2010s. In 2011, Republicans held all statewide-elected offices, a first for the party. However, this downward trend was halted in the late 2010s, with Oklahoma Democrats stabilizing at approximately 20 seats in the State House and 8 seats in the State Senate.[12] Furthermore, Kendra Horn managed to defeat Republican Steve Russell in 2018, becoming the first Democratic Representative from Oklahoma since 2010.[13]
In the 2020 Oklahoma elections, Democrat Mauree Turner became the first Muslim Oklahoma state legislator and the first publicly non-binary U.S. state legislator in the United States.[14]
In the 2022 Gubernatorial Election, ODP ran Joy Hofmeister the State Superintendent of Public Instruction. Hofmeister, a former Republican, defeated Constance Johnson a State Senator associated with the Democratic Socialists of America, in the Democratic primary.[15] In the general election against incumbent Republican Governor Kevin Stitt, education and pandemic-related issues dominated the closer than expected race,[16] however, Stitt won re-election with 55.4% of the vote against Hofmeister's 41.8%.[17]
In the 2024 Tulsa Mayoral election, Monroe Nichols made history as Tulsa's first African-American mayor and its first Democratic mayor since 2006
Electoral history
Note: Lieutenant Governor Jari Askins provided tie breaking vote in the State Senate following the 2006 elections, giving Democrats a majority
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Current structure and composition
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ODP hosts a statewide convention in June of odd-numbered years, where delegates representing the county parties elect executive officers. The State Convention is the highest governing body and possesses the exclusive right to amend the Party Constitution.[18] Additionally, the State Convention elects Oklahoma's delegates to the Democratic National Committee, which is responsible for promoting Democratic campaign activities, overseeing the process of writing the national Democratic Platform, and supervising the Democratic National Convention. Delegates serve four-year terms concurrent with presidential elections.[19]
The Chair is the highest ranking member of the ODP. The current ODP Chair is John Waldron. [20] Former Governor David Walters and Kalyn Free are delegates for the Democratic National Committee.[20]
State Central Committee
Between conventions, the State Central Committee functions as the senior most decision making body in ODP and wields the same powers as the State Convention, "except for those matters exclusively vested in the State Convention [i.e. Amendment power] by this Constitution and supporting Bylaws." (Article VII, Section 7)[19]
The State Central Committee is composed of the State Party Officers, the chair, vice-chair, and secretary of each Congressional District Convention, four affirmative action offices to represent historically marginalized groups, two members of the County Chairs Association, the president of each recognized federation of a State Democratic club. The following persons are members of the State Central Committee:[21]
State Executive Party Officers
Source:[22]
- Chair, John Waldron
- Vice Chair, Erin Brewer
- Secretary, Alberto Alonso-Sandoval
- Treasurer, Kati Cain
Congressional District 1
- Chair, Rachel Hunsucker
- Vice Chair, Jim Provenzano
- Secretary, Emily Gamel
Congressional District 2
- Chair, Stacy Gorley
- Vice Chair, Dustin Phelan
- Secretary, Charlotte Young
Congressional District 3
- Chair, Sarah Carnes
- Vice Chair, Avery McIntyre
- Secretary, Jim Potts
Congressional District 4
- Chair, Carroll Asseo
- Vice Chair, Travis Darling
- Secretary, Vacant
Congressional District 5
- Chair, Mary Jo Kinzie
- Vice Chair, Ward Curtain
- Secretary Rachel Morse
Affirmative Action Committee
- Rachel Morse
- Matthew Lucas
- Amber Jensen
- Joshua Harris-Till
African-American Federation
- Chair, Burlinda Radney
Disability Federation
- Chair, Sheri Dickerson
Latin Federation
- Chair, Alex Yeverino
Native American Federation
- Chair, Anastasia Pittman
Stonewall Federation
- Tate Freeman
Veterans' Committee [Federation]
- Chair, Rita Maxwell
Women's Federation
- Chair, Bettye Rector
Young Democrats of Oklahoma [Federation]
- Chair, JeKia Harrison
Staff
ODP staff are responsible for the day-to-day operations of the party and mostly operate at ODP office located at 3815 North Santa Fe Avenue, Oklahoma City.[23]The following persons are on the ODP staff:
- Interim Executive Director, Lauren Craig[24]
- Voter File Manager, Josh Miles[24]
- Field Director, Krislyn Sherer[24]
- Finance Director, Charles Outlaw[24]
- Communications Director, Naomi Andrews[24]
ODP staffwork is assisted by interns and volunteers.
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Ideology & Issues
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The Oklahoma Democratic Party (ODP) does not explicitly identify itself with any ideology. The Preamble of the Party Constitution reads:
We, the Democrats of the State of Oklahoma, united under the banner of the oldest political party in the world, hereby rededicate ourselves to the principles which have historically sustained our Party. While recognizing the limits of government, we regard democratic government as a force for good and a source of hope. We seek individual freedom in the framework of a just society. We pledge ourselves to uphold the United States Constitution and to work openly and honestly in our efforts to conduct public affairs in a manner worthy of a society of free and responsible citizens.[18]
The 2024 State Party Platform restates this big-tent approach saying ODP, "is preprepared to work collaboratively with our fellow Oklahomans, regardless of political party, to invest in and enrich our communities throughout the state. Together, we will meet the challenges and opportunities before us with wisdom, determination, and compassion." [Emphasis in original][19]
Historically, ODP was composed of conservative, centrist and liberal factions. Less than a third of registered Democratic voters in Oklahoma supported President Barack Obama in 2012, due to the larger amount of conservative and centrist members of the ODP vis other state parties.[25] In recent years the party has adopted more liberal positions on social and economic issues. At the 2023 State Convention, the platform endorsed a more progressive tax code to pay for public services and endorsed positions on abortion and transgender healthcare in line with the national party.[19]
Church & State Issues
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Crime
Drugs
Firearms
Republicans have loosened gun restrictions in Oklahoma, resulting in Oklahoma possessing one of the most permissive firearm regimes in the world. Examples of laws enacted include reciprocal recognition of concealed carry licenses from other states,[26] a law which was rendered moot by the passage of a constitutional amendment recognizing the right of adults over the age of 21 to openly carry loaded firearms without a permit, license, or background check.[27]
Oklahoma has one of the highest gun violence rates in the country, with 19.9 gun deaths per 100k residents, higher than the national average of 13.7 per 100k residents. Furthermore, Oklahoma has one oft the highest gun suicide rates in the country.[28]
ODP lawmakers broadly support the 2nd Amendment, but believe in what they describe as responsible gun regulations. Examples of laws proposed by Democratic state legislators include universal background checks, an extended waiting period for gun purchases, and raising the minimum age to purchase a firearm to 21.[29] Another Democratic proposal came from State Senator Jo Anna Dossett (D-Tulsa),which would exempt trigger locks, gun safes, and lock boxes from the state sales tax. Such a measure is aimed at reducing the number of firearms stolen or misused (i.e. youths stealing their parents firearm to commit suicide).[30]
Policing
The issue of police funding has been a major political issue in cities such as Norman and Oklahoma City. Though candidates for city council run as non-partisans, they are usually members of one of the major political parties. Among Oklahoma City Democrats there is a divide between those who support reducing police funding to fund mental health services and those who are opposed. According to Campaign Zero, a police reform group, 63 people were killed between 2013 and 2023. Adjusted for population, OKCPD possesses the second rate of police killings in the United States.[31]
A similar fight over police funding dominated Norman politics in 2020. The city council, one of the few majority liberal in the state, voted to reduce a previously planned increase to the NPD from $1.1 million to $865,000, with the saved monies getting allocated to non-police responses to disturbances created by mental illness or homelessness. Despite the revised budget still amounting to an increase in police funding, opponents decried the revision as "defunding the police." Democratic councilors such as Kate Bierman, were faced with an organized campaign of harassment including verbal intimidation and a lawsuit from the police union.[32]
Economics
ODP accepts the existence of a capitalist economic system. In their 2023 Platform, they argue, "Democrats responsibly support business development and job creation...We cannot live in a prosperous state without both a vibrant business community and a skilled dedicated labor force."[19]
Within the context of a capitalist economy, ODP supports active state involvement. Their 2023 platform endorses a progressive tax code to fund expansions of public infrastructure, education, and healthcare. Furthermore, they support an "all of the above" energy policy, wherein wind, solar, and other renewables compliment oil & gas production.[19]
Unions
ODP supports the rights of labor unions,[19] however it presently lacks a dedicated federation/caucus in the state party, putting it at odds with most state Democratic Parties.
Human Rights
Elections and Referendum
ODP's 2023 platform advocates for the abolition of Oklahoma's closed primary system and its replacement with, "an open primary that advances the top four finishers to a ranked-choice voting general election."[19] This is modelled off Alaska's primary election model. ODP has not taken a public position regarding State Question 836, a petition launched by Oklahoma United that would create a top-two primary, wherein every candidate is listed on one ballot and the top two advance to a general election.[33]
ODP supports defending voting rights and "expanding access to absentee or mail-in ballots." Furthermore, they oppose the use of voter roll purges for partisan or discriminatory ends and support abolishing straight-party voting.[19]
ODP opposes ongoing efforts by Republicans to impose restrictions on petitions. Senate Bill 1027, proposed by State Senator David Bullard (R-Durant), "would require that no more than 10% of signatures on an initiative petition come from a county where 400,000 or more people reside. That would affect only residents of Tulsa and Oklahoma counties by capping the total share of signatures from those two counties at 20%."[34] This measure would make it significantly harder for Democrats to use petitions to organize referendums as Oklahoma City and Tulsa are areas with a greater concentration of Democratic voters.
LGBT Rights
ODP's LGBT wing is the Oklahoma Federation of Stonewall Democrats.[35]
ODP is supportive of LGBT rights, including same-sex marriage and transgender healthcare, both of which are targeted by the Oklahoma Republican Party.[36]
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Current elected officials
Democrats have not won the Oklahoma House of Representatives since 2002 nor the Oklahoma State Senate since 2006, when they last won any statewide election (with Democrats winning most statewide executive offices on the ballot that year). The last Democrat to hold statewide office in Oklahoma is Superintendent of Public Instruction Joy Hofmeister, who switched parties from Republican to Democrat in October 2021 and subsequently left office in January 2023, having been term limited and unsuccessfully ran for Governor of Oklahoma in 2022. She was succeeded by Republican Ryan Walters. At least 2 of the current chiefs of the 5 Tribes are Democrats: Chuck Hoskin Jr. (Cherokee Nation), and Bill Anoatubby (Chickasaw Nation). Oklahoma’s congressional delegation has been entirely Republican since 2021 and previously from 2013 to 2019.
State Legislative leadership
City officials
- Tulsa Mayor: Monroe Nichols
- Norman Mayor: Stephen Tyler Holman
- Bethany Mayor : Amanda Sandoval
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Democratic Governors
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As of 2022[update], there have been a total of 22 Democratic Party Governors.
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See also
References
External links
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