Op-ed: Why the Nation Can’t Afford to Ignore Oklahoma

TULSA, Okla.–As the nation faces another term under President Trump, Oklahoma is shaping up to be a testing ground for some of the most extreme conservative agendas.

Just recently, Oklahoma State Superintendent Ryan Walters announced his intention to push forward sweeping changes to the state’s education system, aiming to strip federal influence from our schools and reassert what he calls “parents’ rights” and “patriotism.”

But make no mistake—this agenda is part of a broader conservative experiment that could have dangerous implications for our democracy.

For too long, Oklahoma has been dismissed as a “flyover” state, seemingly irrelevant to the national political landscape. But what happens here doesn’t stay here. Oklahoma is frequently used as a proving ground for radical policies that are eventually adopted in other states.

This state passed the nation’s first anti-sharia law, draconian immigration restrictions, and an anti-red flag gun law, each of which set a precedent for similar legislation across the country. This is a place where ALEC-sponsored bills flourish and where low civic engagement allows these ideas to go unchallenged.

What happens in Oklahoma spreads across the nation

Oklahoma ranks last in the country for voter turnout, creating a vacuum that right-wing forces have been all too eager to fill.

But ignoring Oklahoma has consequences. Oklahoma’s political influence has extended well beyond its borders, fueling events like the January 6th insurrection and the spread of the “big lie.”

Just last year, Oklahoma’s Legislature, led by one of the most conservative governors in the country, passed a near-total ban on abortion. This same Oklahoma Governor attempted to allow the creation of the Nation’s first religious public charter school, stepping away from the separation of church and state, but the Oklahoma Supreme Court struck that down. Now, he is trying to get rid of those Supreme Court Justices

These actions aren’t isolated incidents; they’re a coordinated effort to reshape the nation’s values, starting here in Oklahoma.

How we fight back

Yet, amid these challenges, recent events have shown that change is possible—even in Oklahoma.

This year, Tulsa made history by electing its first Black mayor, a milestone achieved through the power of grassroots organizing. Against significant odds, a coalition of local organizers mobilized communities across Tulsa, building a movement that resonated with voters hungry for change.

This victory is a testament to the strength and resilience of democracy-minded Oklahomans, and it serves as a powerful reminder that when people come together, they can defy even the most entrenched political forces.

The election of Tulsa’s first Black mayor is proof that Oklahoma is not a lost cause. Despite being a state where all 77 counties went for Trump in the last three presidential elections, there is a growing democracy-minded voter base here.

Progressive policies can pass even in deep red Oklahoma

Oklahomans have organized to pass progressive state questions on issues like Medicaid expansion, medical marijuana, and criminal justice reform. In 2018, teachers led one of the largest walkouts in the nation, inspiring similar movements across other states and proving that Oklahoma can also be a catalyst for positive change.

But to truly turn things around in Oklahoma, we need to engage more voters. We have the worst voter turnout in the nation, and without addressing this, real change will remain out of reach.

If we want to transform Oklahoma into a place where democracy thrives, we need to invest in organizing efforts that get more people to the polls, empower communities, and break the cycle of political apathy. This isn’t just about a single election; it’s about building a culture of civic engagement that lasts.

Increasing voter engagement is key

These victories didn’t happen by accident; they were the result of relentless organizing and advocacy. And if we want to see more progress, we need to invest in Oklahoma’s democratic infrastructure.

State leaders are actively working to undermine the tools that have enabled these grassroots victories, from restricting ballot initiatives to passing anti-protest laws. They are even targeting educational content, stripping schools of the right to provide truthful, comprehensive education.

If we ignore Oklahoma, we allow these threats to democracy to grow unchecked, endangering the rest of the nation.

It’s time to for the nation to invest in Oklahoma

To defenders of democracy across the country, the message is clear: you can no longer overlook Oklahoma. Our state may not be a swing state, but it is ground zero for a battle that affects all Americans.

Investing in Oklahoma isn’t just about supporting one state; it’s about safeguarding the nation from the spread of extreme policies that threaten the democratic fabric of our country.

The stakes are high, but the potential for change is real. Oklahomans have shown that they can rise up and make their voices heard. With support, we can continue to push back against policies that threaten our rights and values. We can hold our leaders accountable, increase civic engagement, and empower communities to protect their democracy.

Oklahoma may seem like a lost cause to some, but it’s a bellwether for the nation’s future. Tulsa’s historic election and past grassroots victories are proof that with the right investment, change can start here and spread across the country.

Let’s not wait until Oklahoma’s policies infect the nation—let’s act now. It’s time to invest in Oklahoma and show the rest of the country that this state is worth fighting for.

Sheyda Brown is a trained Community Organizer and Social Worker originally from Tulsa, OK, with over 8 years of nonprofit experience across Oklahoma and Texas. She began her organizing career following Hurricane Harvey, specializing in disaster organizing within communities of color in Houston, TX. Sheyda understands that strengthening collective community power is critical to achieving equity and justice. In her previous philanthropy and current organizing and activism work, she finds ways to elevate marginalized voices to reclaim their power and influence. She is a 2021 New Leaders Council fellow and holds a Master of Social Work.