Oklahoma Democrats, Republicans React To Biden Inauguration

After his historic inauguration, leadership of the Oklahoma Democratic Party are looking forward to the first 100 days of the Biden administration. 

Last week Biden unveiled a $1.9 Trillion legislative package aimed at corralling the pandemic and the economy. 

“We are happy with his plan. There is nothing in his plan we are upset about,” said Twan Jones, the state party’s chair for first congressional district of Oklahoma, which covers Tulsa. 

Alicia Andrews, the chair of the Oklahoma Democratic Party said the measures that will likely be most impactful to Oklahomans are a proposed raise to the federal minimum wage to $15 per hour, and an extension of the eviction moratorium. 

“We have a reasonable cost of living,” Andrews said. “Still, at $7.25 an hour, you’re below the poverty rate. Most people are working 2-3 jobs just to make ends meet.” 

The Oklahoma Republican Party contested the results of the election on social media in the days leading up to the riot at the U.S. Capitol on January 6. 

On Wednesday, Vice Chair of the Oklahoma Republican Party Shane Jemison said the organization recognizes Biden’s legitimate election victory. 

“Realistically Joe Biden is the President of the United States. But that doesn’t mean that we don’t have contrasting opinions,” Jemison said. 

While Republicans still maintain a stronghold in Oklahoma politics, Jemison said this is a moment of reflection for the party. 

“In the next 100 days as a party, we have the great opportunity to solidify our claim of what our political identity is as conservatives,” Jemison said. “I believe we have an obligation to look forward. And I believe the best is yet to come.”