Oklahoma's Kevin Stitt cruises to reelection despite fears of tight race

Oklahoma GOP Gov. Kevin Stitt easily won reelection on Tuesday, despite early fears that his Democratic opponent would make the race much closer than usual in the deep red state.

NBC called the race with 74% of the vote in. Stitt led Democrat Joy Hofmeister 56.7% to 40.5%.

The anti-abortion firebrand governor drew party concerns following a series of close polls that showed Hofmeister within striking distance. The Republican Governor's Association announced a last minute ad buy to back their candidate, a move rarely necessary in one of its strongholds.

Hofmeister was previously a Republican and member of Stitt's administration, though she flipped to the Democrats. She has served as the state's superintendent of public instruction.