As Gov. Kevin Stitt completes the final year of his second term in 2027, Oklahoma is gearing up for a new governor. The race for the state’s top office is heating up, with 15 candidates already in the running. The candidates come from both major political parties and the independent ranks, setting the stage for an exciting election year.
Republican Candidates in the 2026 Race
Nine Republicans have entered the race, each with a different vision for Oklahoma’s future. These candidates will compete in the Republican primary scheduled for June 16, which will be open only to party members. The candidates are:
- Jennifer Domenico
- Gentner Drummond
- Leisa Mitchell Haynes
- Chip Keating
- Mike Mazzei
- Charles McCall
- Jake Merrick
- Kenneth Sturgell
- Calup Anthony Taylor
If no candidate wins a majority in the primary, a runoff election will take place in August between the top two candidates from the primary race.
Democratic Candidates for Governor
Three Democrats have also entered the race for the 2026 Democratic primary on June 16. The Democratic candidates are:
- Arya Azma
- Connie Johnson
- Rep. Cyndi Munson
Similar to the Republican primary, if no Democratic candidate receives a majority, the top two will face off in the August runoff.
Independent Candidates in the General Election
Once the party primaries are concluded, the top Republican and Democratic candidates will face off against three independent candidates in the November general election. The independent candidates are:
- Robert Brooks Sr.
- Orlando Lynn Bush
- Jerry Griffin
With the race expected to be competitive, voters will have a range of choices, from traditional party candidates to independent voices.
Key Dates in the 2026 Gubernatorial Race
- June 16, 2026: Primary elections for both Republican and Democratic parties
- August 2026: Runoff elections (if necessary) for both parties
- November 2026: General election
Summary Table of Oklahoma’s 2026 Gubernatorial Race
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Current Governor | Kevin Stitt, completing his second term (term-limited) |
| Republican Candidates | Jennifer Domenico, Gentner Drummond, Leisa Mitchell Haynes, Chip Keating, Mike Mazzei, Charles McCall, Jake Merrick, Kenneth Sturgell, Calup Anthony Taylor |
| Democratic Candidates | Arya Azma, Connie Johnson, Rep. Cyndi Munson |
| Independent Candidates | Robert Brooks Sr., Orlando Lynn Bush, Jerry Griffin |
| Primary Election Date | June 16, 2026 (Republican and Democratic primaries) |
| Runoff Election (If Needed) | August 2026 |
| General Election Date | November 2026 (Top candidates from each party and independents) |
The Road Ahead: Voter Engagement
The Oklahoman newspaper has reached out to each candidate for information on their positions regarding critical state issues. In upcoming articles, Republican candidates will be featured, followed by a similar focus on Democratic candidates.
This provides voters with an opportunity to learn more about the policies, plans, and priorities of each contender, assisting in their decision-making process as Oklahoma prepares for a new governor in 2027.
