Democrats snatch 2 statehouse seats in Oklahoma surprise

OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) — Oklahoma Democrats, who have taken routine beatings from the GOP over the last decade, unexpectedly snatched two state legislative seats from Republicans in special elections this week. They now hope to carry momentum into grabbing bigger prizes in 2018, including congressional seats.

Democratic candidates benefited from voter frustration over state budget problems and recent sex scandals that led GOP incumbents to resign. Both seats had been in Republicanhands for years.

Republicans still hold a large advantage in the Oklahoma legislature, along with both U.S. Senate seats and all five congressional seats, but Democrats believe changing demographics in the state’s largest cities will improve their chances in 2018 and beyond.