2026 Oklahoma gubernatorial election explained

Election Name:2026 Oklahoma gubernatorial election
Country:Oklahoma
Type:gubernatorial
Ongoing:yes
Previous Election:2022 Oklahoma gubernatorial election
Previous Year:2022
Next Election:2030 Oklahoma gubernatorial election
Next Year:2030
Election Date:November 3, 2026
Party1:Republican Party (United States)
Party2:Democratic Party (United States)
Governor
Before Election:Kevin Stitt
Before Party:Republican Party (United States)

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 governor term limits Governors from serving for longer than 8 years, regardless of whether or not that time is consecutive.

Background

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 Walter, Drummond, McCall, and Greg Treat as likely candidates.

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. The same month, The Black Wall Street Times reported Walters was preparing for a 2026 gubernatorial campaign.

Republican primary

Candidates

Potential

Notes and References

  1. News: Felder . Ben . What's ahead on the Oklahoma political front? Eight storylines to follow in 2023 . 4 January 2023 . . 4 January 2023.
  2. Web site: Oklahoma . https://web.archive.org/web/20230209005050/https://politics1.com/ok.htm. politics1.com . 9 February 2023.
  3. News: Forman . Carmen . Is Oklahoma's next governor's race already getting started? . 17 April 2023 . . April 16, 2023.
  4. News: Nissley . Isabel . Oklahoma Attorney General raises $225K, topping state officials' campaign contributions . 25 August 2023 . . August 8, 2023.
  5. News: Savage . Tres . AG Drummond takes Rep. Terry O’Donnell case from DA Vicki Behenna . 9 February 2023 . NonDoc . February 6, 2023.
  6. News: Sources: Ryan Walters mulls bid for governor amid attacks on TPS . 25 August 2023 . . August 7, 2023.