Oklahoma politics has a way of being both incredibly predictable and wildly chaotic at the same time. You’ve probably heard people say it’s a "red state" and leave it at that. But if you’re actually looking at the governor’s race in Oklahoma for 2026, things are getting weird. Fast.
Governor Kevin Stitt is heading out because of term limits. He can't run again. That’s basically fired the starting gun for a massive internal power struggle within the GOP. Honestly, it’s not really a "Democrat vs. Republican" thing yet. In a state where a Democrat hasn't won a statewide office since 2006, the real bloodbath is happening in the June 16, 2026, primary.
The Republican Civil War
It’s basically a fight for the soul of the party. On one side, you have the "establishment-ish but still very conservative" wing, and on the other, the "firebrand culture warriors."
Gentner Drummond, the current Attorney General, was the first big name to jump in. He’s got that "serious adult in the room" vibe. He’s been busy cleaning up the wild west of the state's marijuana industry—dropping the number of grows from 12,000 down to around 2,100. People like that. But he’s also clashed with Stitt, which makes him a bit of a rebel in his own right.
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Then you’ve got Charles McCall. He was the Speaker of the House for ages. He’s positioning himself as the "True Conservative." His ads are everywhere, talking about foreign-owned farmland and protecting women’s sports. According to a Stratus Intelligence poll from October 2025, McCall and Drummond were neck-and-neck, with McCall at 32% and Drummond at 30%. That's basically a coin flip.
And don't forget the legacy play. Chip Keating, son of former Governor Frank Keating, jumped in last October. He’s got the name recognition, but will that be enough in 2026? It’s hard to say.
The Crowded Field
There are so many people running that it’s getting hard to keep track. Here is the current lineup of those who have officially declared or are making serious moves:
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- Gentner Drummond (R): The AG with a massive war chest.
- Charles McCall (R): The former Speaker banking on his legislative record.
- Chip Keating (R): Former Secretary of Public Safety and "legacy" candidate.
- Mike Mazzei (R): Former State Senator and budget expert.
- Cyndi Munson (D): The lone Democrat (so far) and House Minority Leader.
- Jake Merrick (R): Former State Senator and pastor.
- Kenneth Sturgell (R): An HVAC business owner and political newcomer.
- Leisa Mitchell Haynes (R): Former Mangum City Manager.
Can a Democrat Actually Win?
Cyndi Munson is trying. She’s the first Asian American woman in the Oklahoma House and she’s running on a platform of "investing in people." She talks about her own life—paying student loans, renting her home, and growing up in a military family. It’s a very "everyman" (or everywoman) approach.
The math is tough, though. In 2022, Joy Hofmeister—who was a Republican-turned-Democrat with high name ID—still lost to Stitt by double digits (55.4% to 41.8%). Munson needs a miracle, or a Republican primary so toxic that it drives moderates to the other side.
What People Are Getting Wrong
Most folks think the governor’s race in Oklahoma is just about who loves Donald Trump more. Sure, that’s a big part of it. McCall’s camp is leaning hard into that. But there are real, gritty issues under the surface.
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Take the eviction crisis. Senator Julia Kirt has been trying to slow down the state's eviction timeline. Right now, it’s one of the fastest in the country. You can get a notice on Thursday and be out by Monday. That affects a lot of families. While the big candidates are arguing about "woke" policies, voters are feeling the squeeze of rising costs.
The Ryan Walters Factor
We have to talk about Ryan Walters. The former State Superintendent is a lightning rod. He’s been "mulling" a run for a long time. Even if he doesn't run, his influence is everywhere. He’s pushed the state’s education system into the national spotlight with his focus on religious values in schools. If he jumps in, the primary becomes a total circus. Some polls from early 2025 had him at around 12% to 14%, which isn't winning, but it's enough to play spoiler.
The Actionable Truth
If you’re a voter or just someone watching the governor’s race in Oklahoma, don’t get distracted by the noise. Look at the fundraising. Gentner Drummond raised $225,000 way back in 2023 just to get ahead of the game. Money talks.
Also, keep an eye on the "undecideds." In almost every poll, about 30% to 40% of voters say they don't know who they're picking yet. That’s a huge chunk of the state.
Your Next Steps
- Check the Primary Date: Mark June 16, 2026, on your calendar. In Oklahoma, the primary is often the "real" election.
- Watch the Debates: Pay attention to how the Republican candidates treat each other. If they destroy themselves in the primary, the general election might actually be competitive.
- Follow the Policy, Not the Clips: Look at what they've actually done. Drummond’s record as AG and McCall’s record as Speaker tell you more than a 30-second TV ad ever will.
The 2026 race isn't just a coronation. It's a high-stakes gamble for the future of the state. Whether you care about the economy, education, or just political drama, Oklahoma is the place to watch.