On Election Day, Okla deserves leaders who care about entire state

Last Updated on November 1, 2022, 2:10 PM | Published: November 1, 2022

Two decades ago, when Brad Henry was running for governor, I was a reporter at Oklahoma Gazette, and as part of our coverage that election season, I requested a ride-along with Henry on some of his campaign stops. I got more than I bargained for — from the experience and from the candidate himself. 

I arrived at the Shawnee Airport, where Henry was boarding a plane with seats for four passengers — a puddle jumper. It would be my first time riding on such a small aircraft, and I got a lesson in the kind of high-diving that takes place when a pilot sees a rural airfield and just careens down from the sky onto a patch of asphalt or grass. Though I felt like most of my internal organs changed positions in my body during those descents, it was still not as impressive as what Henry was doing on the stump. 

Henry was in the process of building an Oklahoma coalition, and he did so by campaigning in all 77 counties. On that day in Fall 2002, Henry was barnstorming southeastern Oklahoma, landing in small towns and smaller towns to reach out to people who usually get passed by or taken for granted during election years. 

We landed four times in separate towns that day and each time, Henry’s stump speech was geared specifically to the needs of that community. He drew large crowds at these community centers and schools, because, unlike his opponents, Former Republican U.S. Rep. Steve Largent and former prosecutor Gary Richardson, he was on the ground and working for every vote. 

That November, Henry squeaked out a victory, beating Largent by half a percentage point. His strong leadership and ability to govern for all Oklahomans resulted in him winning a second term in 2006 with 66 percent of the vote. It was the biggest win by any Oklahoma gubernatorial candidate in nearly 50 years, Democrat or Republican. 

Democrats outperforming expectations … again

This is a story I tell every time someone suggests that a Democrat cannot win statewide office in Oklahoma. Yes, the electorate has lurched rightward since Henry left office, but a 77-county strategy can make the difference between conventional wisdom carrying the day and an upset victory. 

Thanks in part to Sally’s List, an Oklahoma organization that helps progressive women from both major parties campaign effectively in this state, the 77-county strategy is thriving. And the results are being felt in the campaigns of Joy Hofmeister for governor, Jena Nelson for state superintendent for public instruction, and the U.S. Senate campaigns of Kendra Horn and Madison Horn. 

All four candidates have outperformed expectations in recent polling, and some are favored to win. Their opponents, all male Republicans, have run campaigns that shore up their base, the true believers who show up to vote straight-ticket Republican every time. This means red-meat campaigns to stir up division and animosity, something that is too plentiful in this state and its elections already. 

What Nelson, Hofmeister and the separate Horns have done is the opposite of base-focused, marginal campaigning. They have treated everyone like a potential voter and listened to their stories, and they will all continue to do so until election day next week. 

Each of these candidates has been tireless on the campaign trail. Meanwhile, U.S. Senator James Lankford, U.S. Rep. Markwayne Mullin and Gov. Kevin Stitt are barely visible, hoping to eke out wins on the basis of being Republicans and not much more than that. Sure, Education Secretary Ryan Walters is in his car all the time, but that is not exactly working in his favor. 

Hard work deserves to be rewarded, especially if it is backed up by good policy. Next Tuesday, Oklahomans should vote for the people who worked hardest and smartest for it.

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