Growing GOP Majority Poses Challenge in Oklahoma

OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) — With Republicans enjoying large and growing majorities in the Oklahoma House and Senate, GOP legislative leaders are being forced to wrangle with how to balance a broader spectrum of ideas and ideology among members.

Last week, four new Republicans secured posts in the Oklahoma Legislature with victories in primary runoffs in races that drew no Democrats.

Two of those new Republican members defeated better-funded, Chamber of Commerce-backed opponents in the Republican primary.

While internal battles of the 70-member strong GOP House caucus in recent years were well documented, some lawmakers now openly wonder whether a similar schism could emerge in the Senate, where Republicans are expected to build on their 32-16 majority.