Why Did Donald Trump Win Every County in Oklahoma: Understanding the Political Landscape

In the 2020 US presidential election, Donald Trump achieved an impressive victory, securing every county in the state of Oklahoma. This outcome seems surprising given that a significant portion of Oklahomans are either Native American of Cherokee ancestry or Hispanic residents of the Oklahoma Panhandle. Despite these factors, Trump's victory highlights the complex dynamics of political affiliation within the state. Let's delve into the reasons behind this electoral success.

Why Wouldn't They?

The question of why Native Americans and Hispanics in Oklahoma did not oppose Trump has several dimensions. It is crucial to understand that the claim that a large portion of the population has Cherokee ancestry or is Hispanic is partially accurate but may not fully reflect the true political landscape. Only about 10% of the Native population in Oklahoma comprises Cherokees, and no county in the state has a Native majority.

Moreover, the larger population of Oklahoma generally leans Republican, and a portion of the Native population aligns with this trend due to their conservative beliefs. They are not politically monolithic, as political views can vary among different tribes and individuals.

Political Strategies and Economic Metrics

Republicans in Oklahoma, like in other states such as Alaska, North Dakota, South Dakota, Wyoming, and Idaho, focus on supporting industries related to extracting resources. This includes oil and gas, agribusiness, forestry, and mining. These sectors are crucial for the economy of Oklahoma, a semi-rural state where the cities of Oklahoma City and Tulsa are very Republican and conservative.

When it comes to Native American and Hispanic voters, a significant number align with Republicans. Many are conservative Christians, supporting pro-gun laws and opposing abortion. Their jobs are closely tied to industries like oil and gas and agribusiness, which align with Republican policies.

Cherokee and Hispanic Republican Affiliation

The political landscape of Oklahoma's Native American population, particularly the Cherokee, differs from that in other states with Native American reservations. Cherokee citizens living in Oklahoma often share close ties with non-Hispanic whites, and many have low blood quantum, making them more integrated into non-reservation communities. For instance, most Cherokee leaders, such as Chuck Hoskin and Bill Baker, are Democrats, but the elected Cherokee governor, Kevin Stitt, is a strong Republican aligned with Trump, the second-most conservative governor after Ron DeSantis from Florida.

Additionally, Oklahoma has several prominent Republican Native American and Hispanic figures, such as Shane Jett, Ryan Martinez, and Markwayne Mullin, who are known for their conservative stances. These figures have played significant roles in supporting Trump's policies and conservative ideologies.

Conclusion

While it might seem counterintuitive for Native Americans and Hispanics to support Trump, the political and economic realities of Oklahoma explain this outcome. The Republican support from these communities, coupled with the general political leanings of the state, contributed to Trump's victory in every county of Oklahoma.

Understanding the complex dynamics of this demographic group and the broader political landscape is essential to comprehending the reasons behind the 2020 election results in Oklahoma.