It’s 2026 and gubernatorial elections are being held in 36 states, including Oklahoma.
There are 15 candidates running for governor in Oklahoma. Some aren’t famous and don’t stand much of a chance. But even if you lose, running for office raises your profile and may lead to future opportunities.
The Republicans, whom I will discuss here, have nine candidates: Gentner Drummond (businessman and current Attorney General), Mike Mazzei (businessman, former State Senator, and former Secretary of Budget), Charles McCall (businessman and former Speaker of the Oklahoma House of Representatives), Chip Keating (oil and gas businessman and former Secretary of Public Safety), Jake Merrick (former State Senator and former talk show host), Leisa Mitchell Haynes (former city manager and former Oklahoma Department of Commerce associate), Kenneth Sturgell (HVAC contractor), Jennifer Domenico (business owner) and Calup Anthony Taylor.
