Hydroxide-exchange membranes (HEMs) and hydroxide-exchange ionomers (HEIs) are provided which include polymers with oxidation resistant groups. The attachment of the oxidation resistant groups to the polymer backbone allows fine-tuning of the mechanical properties of the membrane and incorporation of alkaline stable cations, such as imidazoliums, phosphoniums and ammoniums, and provides enhanced stability to the polymer. HEMs/HEIs formed from these polymers exhibit superior chemical stability, anion conductivity, decreased water uptake, good solubility in selected solvents, and improved mechanical properties in an ambient dry state as compared to conventional HEM/HEIs. The HEMs exhibit enhanced stability in a highly oxidative environment.