What If Steve Largent Won The Ele

Caroline Mae

2 min read

·

04-01-2025

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The 1994 Oklahoma gubernatorial race was a nail-biter. Republican Steve Largent, a former NFL star, ran a strong campaign against Democratic incumbent David Walters. While Walters ultimately secured victory, the closeness of the race sparks an interesting "what if" scenario: what if Largent had won?

A Different Trajectory for Oklahoma Politics

A Largent governorship would have undoubtedly shifted the political landscape of Oklahoma. Largent, known for his conservative views and strong ties to the Republican party, would have likely ushered in a period of more conservative policies. This contrasts sharply with the Democratic administration of Walters, which focused on issues like education reform and economic development through a more centrist approach.

Potential Policy Shifts

Several key areas would have likely seen significant changes under a Largent administration:

• Education: Largent, a proponent of school choice and charter schools, may have pushed for increased funding for these alternatives alongside potential cuts to traditional public schools. This would have generated significant debate and opposition from teacher unions and education advocacy groups.
• Economic Development: While Largent likely would have supported business growth, his approach may have differed from Walters. A Largent administration might have focused more on tax cuts and deregulation as stimuli for the economy.
• Social Issues: Largent's conservative stance on social issues would have almost certainly resulted in a more conservative approach to policymaking. Issues such as abortion rights and LGBTQ+ rights could have faced increased restrictions.

The Impact on National Politics

A Largent victory would not have been limited to Oklahoma. His win could have sent powerful signals within the Republican party and nationwide. A prominent figure like Largent winning a gubernatorial race could have further energized the burgeoning conservative movement, potentially influencing national politics in the mid-1990s and beyond. His success could have been seen as a model for other athletes or prominent figures seeking political office.

Unforeseen Consequences

It's impossible to definitively predict all consequences. A Largent governorship would have interacted with various national and state events in unpredictable ways. His administration's performance would have been shaped by numerous factors—from economic conditions to unforeseen crises. This makes analyzing a counterfactual scenario inherently challenging.

Conclusion: A Speculative Exercise

Exploring alternative historical outcomes, such as a Largent governorship, allows us to contemplate the complexities of political processes and their impact. While we can speculate about the likely changes, a definitive answer about how Oklahoma, or the US, would be different remains a captivating exercise in historical "what ifs."