Oklahoma’s gubernatorial race is beginning to take shape as candidates in both parties try to define themselves in a tense political climate.

While Democrats are working to establish themselves heading into Tuesday’s primary election, much of the conversation has centered on the Republican primary, where several high-profile candidates are competing for the same voters.

Recent polls consistently identify four names at the top of the list in the Republican primary, with Gentner Drummond, Mike Mazzei, Charles McCall and Chip Keating taking the lead in the packed field.

Pat McFerron, founding partner of CMA Strategies, said those four candidates have separated themselves from the rest and share similar conservative positions on taxes, public safety, education and transgender-related policies, creating a competitive Republican field centered
around the same voting pool.
McFerron described the race as having “clearly a top-four tier,” adding that “on most issues, you’re not going to see a lot of difference between them.”

Despite sharing conservative priorities, the four candidates have taken different approaches during the race.

Drummond has emphasized his record as attorney general and public safety issues, while McCall highlights his legislative experience and conservative voting record.

Mazzei has centered much of his campaign on economic policy, budgeting and tax reform. Keating has focused on law enforcement and outsider messaging.

Beyond policy differences, McFerron said the candidates are also trying to distinguish themselves through political style. He said Drummond carries more of a “renegade appeal,” describing him as more willing to challenge members of his own party.

The candidates also appear to be targeting different facets of the Republican electorate. Drummond has campaigned on public safety, transparency and government accountability, while McCall has leaned more heavily into social conservative policies and his record as former House speaker.

Mazzei, a former budget secretary and state senator, has frequently emphasized tax reform, economic restructuring and government efficiency.
His campaign has positioned him as one of the more policy-focused candidates in the Republican field.

Keating has emphasized public safety, border security and homelessness issues while portraying himself as an outsider compared to opponents with longer legislative and political records.

“Remember, I haven’t been elected, they have,” Keating said. “I don’t get to write the laws. If any of these three guys were going to fix the problems, why haven’t they done it already?”

Keating also criticized what he described as increasingly negative campaigning within the Republican primary.

“Unfortunately, I think the tone’s pretty negative,” Keating said. “Instead of talking about real-world problems and how we’re going to fix the state, they want to throw mud at me and others. I think voters are going to see through it.”

The Republican primary has exposed divisions within the Oklahoma GOP over leadership style, experience and political approach.

The candidates have also tried to separate themselves through their records, messaging and relationships within the party.

In many ways, the race has become a larger fight over the future of Oklahoma conservatism, with several candidates trying to show they can best represent the party’s direction.

The contest has also taken place in light of broader divides among the Republican leadership of Oklahoma. Tensions between Gov. Kevin Stitt and Attorney General Drummond over legal disputes have become increasingly public in recent months, adding another level to an already highly contested Republican primary.

Endorsements are still expected to remain a factor throughout the race, even though neither President Donald Trump nor Stitt has officially endorsed a candidate for governor. Both continue to hold major influence over the broader Republican conversation in Oklahoma.
McFerron said Trump’s influence remains unmatched by most Republican figures in the state.

“President Trump is in that class by himself,” McFerron said.

McFerron said local endorsements can also still matter to voters, especially when they come from officials or organizations people already know and trust.

Although much of the attention surrounding the race has remained on the Republican primary, Democrats are also trying to shape their message heading into the election.

Current House Minority Leader Cyndi Munson and former Senate Minority Leader Connie Johnson are seeking the Democratic nomination.
Many political observers view Munson as the likely frontrunner, but Johnson still believes many Oklahoma voters are becoming frustrated with political division, economic pressure and what she described as “status quo politics.”

Johnson, who previously served in the Oklahoma Senate, has spent decades advocating on criminal justice reform, women’s rights and health care. She said concerns involving education, housing, health care affordability and economic stability are being overshadowed by growing political division and conflict.

“I think people are tired,” Johnson said. “They’re sick and tired of being sick and tired.”
Johnson criticized what she described as growing efforts within both parties to influence primary outcomes rather than allowing voters to fully evaluate candidates themselves.

“It’s not about a party for me. It’s about the people,” Johnson said. “We can do better than this, Oklahoma.”

“I am a choice,” Johnson said. “I am not the pre-identified, pre-selected person for coronation.”

Johnson said Oklahoma voters are often politically underestimated and more independent-minded than national narratives suggest.
“We are not defined by national polls,” Johnson said. “I think Oklahomans are being underestimated.”

Meanwhile, Munson has campaigned as a leading Democratic voice in the race, entering with strong support from many Democratic officials and organizers.

While some Democrats have rallied behind Munson heading into the election, the Republican side remains tense, with no clear frontrunner emerging among the top four.

McFerron said the combative tone of the Republican primary reflects broader incentives within Oklahoma’s political system.
“We no longer have a system that is about building coalitions,” McFerron said. “It’s about tearing things apart and just motivating your base.”

McFerron said many candidates try to separate themselves by making their opponents appear less acceptable to voters.
“Make everybody hate the others more,” McFerron said. “Make everybody else less acceptable.”

McFerron said Oklahoma’s status as a heavily Republican state means the Republican primary often determines who ultimately wins statewide office. Because turnout in those primaries is typically low, he said a relatively small percentage of Oklahomans can have an outsized influence on statewide elections.

“All you need to do is get four to five percent of the voters, and you’re successful,” McFerron said.

Gaylord News reporter Brooke Blach contributed to this report.

Gaylord News is a reporting project of the University of Oklahoma Gaylord College of Journalism and Mass Commupnicaiton. For more stories by Gaylord News go to [email protected]