2026 Oklahoma gubernatorial election

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. 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

• Cindy Byrd, Oklahoma State Auditor (2019–present)
• Gentner Drummond, Oklahoma Attorney General (2023–present)
• Charles McCall, Speaker of the Oklahoma House of Representatives (2017–present)
• Matt Pinnell, Lieutenant Governor of Oklahoma (2019–present)
• Greg Treat, President pro tempore of the Oklahoma Senate (2019–present)
• Ryan Walters, Oklahoma Superintendent of Public Instruction (2023–present)

References