Oklahoma's 2nd congressional district is one of five United States congressional districts in Oklahoma and covers approximately one-fourth of the state in the east. The district borders Arkansas, Kansas, Missouri, and Texas and includes a total of 24 counties. Historically, the district has supported conservative Democrats, and was reckoned as a classic Yellow Dog Democrat district. However, the growing Republican trend in the state has overtaken the district since the start of the 21st century. In the last two elections, the Republican presidential candidate has carried it by the largest margin in the state. Urban voters represent a third of the district. The district is represented by Republican Markwayne Mullin, becoming only the second Republican after Tom Coburn to hold the seat since 1923. Mullin was first elected in 2012, following the retirement of four-term Democratic incumbent Dan Boren.
According to the 2000 U.S. Census, the district is 35.51 percent urban, 23.95 percent non-white, and has a population that is 2.40 percent Latino and 1.36 percent foreign-born. The district has a higher percentage of Native Americans than any other congressional district in Oklahoma. Its representative, Markwayne Mullin, is one of four Native Americans currently serving in Congress.
The district heavily favored conservative Democratic candidates, with only three Republicans taking the district. The district shifted Republican most notably in electing Tom Coburn, who vacated the seat due to a self-imposed term limit pledge. It has since been held by Brad Carson and Dan Boren. Since the 2012 election, the 2nd district has elected a Republican to the House, the current Representative Markwayne Mullin. The district's Democratic leanings stem partly from historic migration patterns into the state. The Little Dixie region of the district imported the people and culture of southern states such as Mississippi after Reconstruction. Voter registration in Little Dixie runs as high as 90 percent Democratic. Additionally, Native Americans in the region tend to vote for Democratic candidates and they have helped Democratic candidates win statewide elections. Historically this is where Democratic presidential candidates perform best in the state. Bill Clinton easily carried the district in 1992 and 1996. However, the district has been swept up in the growing Republican trend in Oklahoma. George W. Bush received 59 percent of the vote in this district in 2004. John McCain received 66 percent of the vote in this district in 2008. Muskogee has produced six representatives, more than any other city in the district. Tahlequah has produced three representatives, the second most of any city in the district.
