Oklahoma made headlines this year for being the first state in the country to pass a near-total ban on abortion. Its state legislature routinely makes national news for being amongst the most regressive in the nation. Public education, in particular, has been systemically defunded for years, making Oklahoma ground zero for anti-CRT and other classroom censorship efforts sweeping the country.

This largely-rural state has the lowest voter turnout and highest incarceration rate in the United States and political leadership that remains a deep shade of red.

But Groundwork sees clear seeds of opportunity on the ground if the resources can be secured to grow them. The organizing ecosystem on the ground is climbing high, despite the odds. Efforts are underway to form the first-ever civic engagement table and grassroots donor alliance. Last year, local activists captured national attention for their successful efforts to secure clemency for death row prisoner Julius Jones. Demographics provide additional opportunity, with a fast-growing Latino population that will turn Oklahoma City into a majority-minority city by 2030. And with 39 federally-recognized native tribes, Oklahoma’s native communities provide additional areas of opportunity, if approached with attention, respect and care.

Make no mistake: The political road ahead in Oklahoma is extremely difficult for those committed to a more just and equitable future for all. But that is precisely why Groundwork is choosing to work here. If we can get the incredible local organizers and leaders on the ground resources to educate, activate and engage voters they will write a new political story for Oklahoma’s future.