2026 Oklahoma gubernatorial election
 | |||||||
| |||||||
| |||||||
| |||||||
| Elections in Oklahoma |
|---|
 |
 Government |
The 2026 Oklahoma gubernatorial election will take place on November 3, 2026, to elect the governor of Oklahoma. Incumbent Republican Governor Kevin Stitt is term-limited and will be prohibited by the Constitution of Oklahoma from seeking a third term. Oklahoma's current constitution term limits governors from serving for longer than 8 years, regardless of whether or not that time is consecutive.
Background
[edit]Speculation on potential candidates for Governor of Oklahoma began in 2023, shortly after the 2022 Oklahoma gubernatorial election victory of Kevin Stitt. Stitt is ineligible to run for another term, leaving the seat open in 2026. The Oklahoman listed Ryan Walters, Gentner Drummond, Charles McCall, and Matt Pinnell as the most likely candidates to run in January 2023.[1] In April 2023, the Tulsa World identified Walters, Drummond, McCall, and Greg Treat as likely candidates.[2]
In August 2023, KOSU noted that Drummond had fundraised over $200,000 during 2023, significantly higher than other statewide elected officials such as Walters who raised $250 in the same timeframe.[3] The same month, The Black Wall Street Times reported Walters was preparing for a 2026 gubernatorial campaign.[4] Congressman Kevin Hern was the first major contender to public acknowledge he was considering a campaign in August 2024, but ruled out a run that December after House Republicans won a narrow majority in the 2024 elections.[5][6]
Republican primary
[edit]Candidates
[edit]Declared
[edit]- Leisa Mitchell Haynes, former city manager of Rio Communities, New Mexico[7]
Potential
[edit]- Gentner Drummond, Oklahoma Attorney General (2023–present)[7]
- Charles McCall, Speaker of the Oklahoma House of Representatives (2017–present)[8]
- Matt Pinnell, Lieutenant Governor of Oklahoma (2019–present)[9]
- Ryan Walters, Oklahoma Superintendent of Public Instruction (2023–present)[10]
Declined
[edit]- Kevin Hern, U.S. Representative from Oklahoma's 1st congressional district (2018–present)[6]
- James Lankford, U.S. Senator (2015–present)[11]
References
[edit]- ^ Felder, Ben (January 4, 2023). "What's ahead on the Oklahoma political front? Eight storylines to follow in 2023". The Oklahoman. Retrieved January 4, 2023.
- ^ Forman, Carmen (April 16, 2023). "Is Oklahoma's next governor's race already getting started?". Tulsa World. Retrieved April 17, 2023.
- ^ Nissley, Isabel (August 8, 2023). "Oklahoma Attorney General raises $225K, topping state officials' campaign contributions". KOSU. Retrieved August 25, 2023.
- ^ "Sources: Ryan Walters mulls bid for governor amid attacks on TPS". The Black Wall Street Times. August 7, 2023. Retrieved August 25, 2023.
- ^ Krehbiel, Randy (August 29, 2024). "Could Congressman Kevin Hern be Oklahoma's next governor?". Tulsa World. Retrieved August 30, 2024.
- ^ a b Solender, Andrew (December 9, 2024). "House GOP's tiny majority helps kill a bid for governor". Axios. Retrieved December 9, 2024.
- ^ a b Clay, Nolan (November 10, 2024). "The 2024 election is over. Who's already running in Oklahoma in 2026?". The Oklahoman. Retrieved November 10, 2024.
- ^ Onstot, Evan (November 7, 2024). "With elections top of mind, who could be contenders for Oklahoma's next governor?". KOCO. Retrieved November 12, 2024.
- ^ Krehbiel, Randy (December 9, 2024). "First District Congressman Kevin Hern to bypass '26 gubernatorial election". Tulsa World. Retrieved December 11, 2024.
- ^ Evans, Murray (December 19, 2024). "What could Ryan Walters do next after being bypassed by Donald Trump? He has options". The Oklahoman. Retrieved December 20, 2024.
- ^ "'Not Running': US Sen. Lankford Dismisses Rumors Of Running For Oklahoma Governor". KWTV-DT. June 25, 2024. Retrieved November 12, 2024.