Since 2002, Republicans have made significant gains in rural counties in Oklahoma

The changes in party registration since Democrat Brad Henry's victory in the Oklahoma governor's race 20 years ago demonstrate how far the Republican Party has advanced in traditionally "yellow-dog" Democrat rural communities.

Republican incumbent Kevin Stitt and freshly anointed Democrat Joy Hofmeister, who switched sides last year after he won state wide office twice in his role as a Republican, are battling it out in this year's governor's election in rural regions. Additionally running for governor are independent Ervin Yen and libertarian Natalie Bruno.

The most recent polls indicate a tight contest, largely as a result of Kevin Stitt having been the target of relentless negative outside advertising since the summer and his views on school vouchers, which are unpopular in state’s rural areas.


Despite the recent rise in Republican Party registration, the number of people who identify as independent has increased more dramatically.



In 2002, Democrats could have anticipated that approximately equal proportions of voters from urban and rural areas would support them. At the time, Democrats resided in the 14 counties that currently make up the metropolitan areas of Oklahoma City and Tulsa made up nearly 26% of the state's voters in 2002. In the remaining 28% of the state, Democrats were the only registered voters, two decades ago.

This rural share has also significantly decreased now. In fact, only 11% of voters are Democrats from the remaining counties in the state.

FAQs:

1. Who were the registered voters in the remaining 28% of the state?
   Democrats were the only registered voters in the remaining 28% of the state.
2. Who is running for governor?
   Independent Ervin Yen and libertarian Natalie Bruno are running for governor.