The University Effect: The Political Impact of OU on Norman, Oklahoma

Abstract

This paper probes the effect of the University of Oklahoma on the politics of Norman, Oklahoma. Election results from 2010 to 2024 are examined to contrast outcomes in Norman with county and state results. Elections analyzed include president and vice president, governor, United States senator, United States representative (District 4), state senator (Districts 15, 16, 24), and state representative (Districts 20, 44, 45, 46), as well as straight-party voting. The City of Norman votes more Democratic in nearly 90% of elections than the statewide average and is more than 10% more likely to vote for Democratic candidates than the rest of the state. It is theorized that these Democratic preferences stem from the voting patterns of OU faculty, staff, and students, as well as the liberalizing effect of OU on city residents.