OKLAHOMA CITY, Okla., (The Oklahoma Post) – July 25th, 2025
The field for Oklahoma’s 2026 gubernatorial race continues to expand with six Republicans and one Democrat now vying for the state’s top office, while constitutional questions swirl around one of the leading candidates.
Kenneth L. Sturgell of Goldsby and Jake Anthony Merrick of Tuttle have joined the Republican primary, bringing fresh perspectives to an already crowded field as Governor Kevin Stitt faces term limits.
The Drummond Dilemma: When Systems Fail
Attorney General Gentner Drummond, who announced his candidacy in January, faces mounting questions about systemic failures in Oklahoma’s justice system. As the state’s top law enforcement official, Drummond sits at the center of a constitutional crisis that raises fundamental questions about accountability.
The Ethics Bottleneck: When complaints against the Attorney General pile up at the Ethics Commission, and those investigating have their own conflicts of interest, how can the system function? This isn’t merely about one official it’s about the breakdown of checks and balances meant to protect Oklahomans.
The Broader Pattern: What we’re witnessing extends beyond individual cases. It’s a systemic failure where corporate influence, judicial conflicts, and prosecutorial discretion combine to create an environment where justice becomes selective. The question voters must ask: Can someone who has been part of this system truly reform it?
Recent polling shows Drummond leading the Republican field at 44-50 percent, but early polls often reflect name recognition more than voter commitment.
The Republican Field Expands
Charles McCall: The former House Speaker from Atoka served as Oklahoma’s 48th Speaker from 2017-2024, the longest tenure in state history. With a background in banking and a more moderate voting record, McCall represents the establishment wing of the party.
Mike Mazzei: The former state senator announced his campaign on April 3, bringing experience from his time representing District 25 and serving as Stitt’s Secretary of Budget from 2019-2020.
Leisa Mitchell Haynes: The 60-year-old was the first Republican to announce, bringing experience in media and government, including stints as city manager in Mangum, Tuttle, and a New Mexico community.
Kenneth L. Sturgell: A mechanical contractor from Goldsby making his first run for political office. He supports Second Amendment rights, opposes abortion, and wants to help small business owners. Sturgell believes Governor Stitt has done a good job leading the state.
Jake Anthony Merrick: A business owner, former pastor, and former state senator from Tuttle, Merrick brings a unique blend of private sector and legislative experience to the race. Having represented Senate District 22 from 2021-2022, Merrick co-owns a construction company and currently hosts “The Jake Merrick Show” radio program. With degrees in Biblical Studies from Dallas Baptist University and a Master of Divinity from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary, Merrick appeals to the conservative grassroots and Freedom Caucus wing of the party.
Notably, Merrick has been a vocal critic of the Oklahoma Department of Human Services, standing up to the agency when he witnessed systemic failures. This willingness to challenge powerful state bureaucracies resonates with families who have experienced DHS overreach or incompetence firsthand.
“We look forward to sitting down with Jake Merrick for an in-depth interview,” said Robbie Robertson, publisher of The Oklahoma Post. “His combination of business acumen, legislative experience, pastoral background, and media presence offers a perspective that deserves serious consideration in this race. His connection to grassroots conservatives and his willingness to challenge establishment thinking including taking on agencies like DHS make him a particularly interesting candidate to watch.”
Potential Heavyweights Waiting in the Wings
State Superintendent Ryan Walters and Lieutenant Governor Matt Pinnell continue to fuel speculation about their intentions. Also mentioned as potential candidates are Chip Keating (former Secretary of Public Safety), Greg Treat (former Senate President Pro Tempore), and Kayse Shrum (former OSU president) is willing to clear her name with Drummond we are sure.
The Democratic Alternative
House Minority Leader Cyndi Munson became the first Democrat to enter the race on April 15, 2025. The first Asian American woman elected to the Oklahoma House, Munson has served as minority leader since 2022. Her platform focuses on education funding, working-class tax relief, and a referendum on the state’s abortion ban. Blah. Comes across as afraid to rock the boat and watching her NGO funders fall out to sea with no funding to float.
Lieutenant Governor’s Race: JJ Humphrey Joins
In related news, State Representative Justin “J.J.” Humphrey officially announced his candidacy for lieutenant governor Monday night at an event hosted by the Oklahoma Second Amendment Association.
Humphrey, who has represented House District 19 since 2017, brings a background as a former law enforcement officer and drug court administrator. Currently serving as vice chair of the House Public Safety and Tourism committees, Humphrey has been a vocal advocate for criminal justice reform and rural communities.
“We believe Representative Humphrey will provide an excellent interview about his vision for Oklahoma,” said Robbie Robertson, publisher of The Oklahoma Post. “His unique perspective on criminal justice reform and rural issues deserves a thorough hearing.” Notably, Humphrey has called for a multicounty grand jury to investigate the Oklahoma Department of Human Services for what he termed “gross negligence and failure to protect children from sexual abuse, physical abuse and neglect”—a stance that aligns him with other reform-minded candidates challenging state agencies.
Other candidates in the lieutenant governor’s race include State Auditor Cindy Byrd, State Rep. Darrell Weaver, Victor Flores, and Chris White.
The Money Trail: Boots N Bling and Political Positioning
The Oklahoma GOP’s annual Boots N Bling BBQ fundraiser, scheduled for July 24th at the Enclave in Oklahoma City, promises to be more than just a summer social event. With sponsorship packages ranging from Silver to Diamond levels including VIP table access, media area privileges, and coveted stage time the event serves as an early litmus test for gubernatorial candidates’ fundraising prowess and party establishment support.
Political insiders will be watching closely to see which candidates secure Diamond sponsorships (which include three minutes of stage time) and who commands the VIP area. In a race where early money often determines viability, the Boots N Bling BBQ represents the unofficial kickoff to the fundraising marathon ahead.
For candidates like Drummond, who already leads in early polling, the event offers a chance to solidify establishment support. For insurgent candidates and those questioning the status quo, it presents a delicate balance participate and risk appearing too cozy with the same system they critique, or skip it and potentially cede valuable networking opportunities to rivals. The attendance roster and sponsorship levels will provide early tea leaves for reading where the party’s power brokers are placing their bets.
Looking Ahead
Primary elections will be held June 16, 2026, with the general election on November 3, 2026.
As this race develops, voters must look beyond campaign promises to examine records, question systemic failures, and demand accountability. The constitutional questions surrounding some candidacies aren’t mere political theater they speak to the fundamental functioning of our democracy.
DJ Vance is a staff writer for The Oklahoma Post. Editor: Robbie Robertson
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