2006 Governors Races

Oklahoma CBS NEWS PROJECTS BRAD HENRYWINNER Democrat Brad Henry (Incumbent) vs. Republican Ernest Istook Henry was favored despite the state’s Republican leanings. He won narrowly in 2002 with the help of a third-party candidate who took many conservative votes. According to NPR, Henry’s approval ratings were solid. He has cut taxes, and Oklahoma’s economy is doing well. Istook criticized Henry for allowing in-state tuition for illegal immigrants; Henry responded by blaming Congress for not solving the illegal immigration problem. Only two governors in Oklahoma history have won back to back elections. Henry is the third.