Oklahoma stands to benefit from demographic trends

Aging baby boomers will play an outsized role in picking leaders. Not only are they active voters, but they will support politicians who favor their interests. Low birthrates in liberal states will play a role as well.

Oklahoma is poised to benefit from some demographic trends because of a relatively healthy economy and a favorable cost of living. Tax policy may play less of a role. Low property taxes here are an offset to any negative effects of having a personal income tax rate of 5.25 percent or taxing the sale of groceries.

Growth begets growth. Even with all its negatives, California is growing — just not very rapidly. After the 2010 census, it failed to gain a congressional seat for only the second time since statehood. But it remains the nation's largest state and has the biggest congressional delegation and enormous clout in the Electoral College.

Despite its rapid growth, North Dakota still has only one congressional seat and three electoral votes. And despite demographic changes, most states with political clout today will continue to have it for years to come.