It was a Democratic slaughter with red all over the ballot.
Republicans held onto every statewide seat, retained super majorities in both the House and Senate and continued to play well in races where changing demographics threatened to flip seats.
“Democrats are on the road to the majority,” Rep. Richard Morrissette told the crowd at Joe Dorman’s watch party, offering words of encouragement to a disappointed crowd.
If that’s true then it’s going to be a long road for a party that held control of the statehouse just a few election cycles ago.
“There’s really only one candidate in these elections tonight,” said Jennifer Jensen, a Gov. Mary Fallin supporter. “The Republican Party.”
Fallin was expected to win reelection, but Dorman surprised many with strong poll numbers in recent months. Democrats obviously hoped for a victory, but a tight race could have offered some momentum headed into the future.
Instead, Fallin cruised to a 15-point clincher.
“Tonight’s election was a victory for the conservative policies that have made Oklahoma a more prosperous place to live, work and raise a family,” Fallin said in a statement following her win.
Republicans remained in power by not just championing conservative policies, but also playing to the state’s deep distrust of the federal government and the president.
“We don’t need Washington to come fix us,” said Republican James Lankford after winning his bid for U.S. Senate. “In fact, we are sending Oklahoma to fix Washington.”
Taking back control of the state House and Senate was never a possibility headed into Election Day, and Democrats felt there were a few seats in OKC that could be flipped. However, Republicans held off challengers in three northwest districts and a south side Senate race.
“I love that the people of District 40 have spoken,” said John Handy Edwards, who lost by 10 points to Ervin Yen in Senate District 40.
The people of Oklahoma spoke Tuesday, or at least less than half of them did. Voter turnout was projected around 40 percent, reported non-profit impact journalism website Oklahoma Watch. For comparison, it was almost 51 percent in the 2010 elections.
Besides flipping some urban districts, Democrats were hopeful for a strong showing in the 5th Congressional race between Republican Steve Russell and Democrat Al McAffrey. Republicans have held the season since the 1970s, but it has trended more Democratic in recent years and reaching the 40 percent mark would have been a sign of growth in the district that includes OKC and most of its suburbs.
Instead, McAffrey won just 36 percent, a point lower than Democrat Tom Guild who lost in 2012.
Democrats will head into another year left to wonder how to reverse course.
“We knew we were up against tough odds,” Dorman said. “We just need to fortify ourselves, we’ve got a lot of work to do.”
*Find complete election results from state election board*
This article appears in Oct 29 – Nov 4, 2014.