On Oct. 18, 2025, there were over 2,500 “No Kings” rallies around the USA – with a surprising 19 locations in the deep-red state of Oklahoma, including in the city of Norman.
Norman is one of several blue blips in a red sea. These blips mostly coalesce around college towns, and Norman is no exception, as it hosts the University of Oklahoma’s flagship campus, as well as being within commuting distance of the state capital, Oklahoma City. With a population of about 130,000, the center is suburban while its outskirts are more rural. Politically, Norman is similar to other blue islands in red states—one might say, Norman is to Oklahoma what Missoula is to Montana or Austin is to Texas.
Still, this is Oklahoma; and calling Norman “liberal” may seem a stretch, especially in California terms. As a descriptor for Norman, “liberal” refers not only, population-wise, to the usual university liberals, but to a higher presence of moderate Republicans, and a lower presence of the full-on MAGA fans, who often dominate rural areas.
At first glance, the Norman No Kings rally didn’t look very different from No Kings rallies in California, and the Norman rally was surprisingly well-attended, with estimates of 1500-2000 attendees; a beautiful day helped. Rather than marching, attendees of this No Kings gathering were seated themselves in a sunny amphitheater circling a stage, while a few sun-escapees hunkered in the shade of nearby trees. The stage format allowed for a set-up sound system, scheduled speakers, inflatable costumes, and even a sing-along. Though there were other photographers, the only credentialed press were some student reporters from OU…