WASHINGTON, D.C. (May 1, 2024) – Cygnal, the nation’s fastest-growing and most accurate private polling firm, released the following Oklahoma statewide poll (conducted Apr. 11-12) of 615 likely general election voters.
“This latest statewide poll shows that while Oklahoma is a solidly red state and aligned with Republicans on most of the major national issues like border security and illegal immigration, they also prioritize things like education, wages, and the cost of living,” said Cygnal Pollster Brent Buchanan. “These voters have serious concerns about the future of their household finances but also recognize the need for the state to align educational graduation requirements that support a workforce which matches what businesses large and small will need to succeed. This is a unique finding, especially as voters say they would reject a minimum wage hike if it meant further hurting the jobs market across the state. Too often states like Oklahoma get lumped into a group of other likeminded states but this data proves voters there are engaged, well-versed on the issues, and have a keen eye for what a positive future looks like for their families and businesses.”
Here are Buchanan’s top takeaways from this new statewide poll:
- Though Oklahomans think their state is headed in the right direction (48%), they have low expectations about the future of their household finances (42%).
- Education (26%) in the state eeks out border security (22%) as a top priority behind inflation and the cost of living (37%). Oklahomans also overwhelmingly support (70%) aligning graduation requirements to career pathways which would help businesses access the workforce they’ll need most in the future. Over 70 percent of Republicans and Democrats support this approach.
- Voters are divided on the potential minimum wage increase initiative (47% support, 44% oppose) but would vote against (57%) it if they knew it could result in widespread job losses across the state.
- Former President Trump (58%) and Senator James Lankford (45%) have the most positive images among major elected officials. President Biden has a 72% unfavorable view among Oklahomans.
- Oklahomans overwhelmingly support legislation (74%) that would prevent noncitizens and foreign companies from purchasing or leasing agricultural land in the state.