Outside political groups have poured at least $7.1 million into Oklahoma’s Republican gubernatorial primary, using television ads, mailers, and digital campaigns to shape voter perceptions of leading candidates. Several PACs backing or opposing candidates such as Gentner Drummond, Charles McCall, and Chip Keating have ties to prominent political operatives and organizations, raising questions about the effectiveness of campaign finance rules that prohibit coordination with campaigns. The race has also drawn attention for its use of AI-generated attack ads and deepfakes, prompting calls for new regulations on political advertising against candidates Charles McCall and Mike Mazzei. As dark money spending continues to increase, the contest highlights broader concerns about transparency, accountability, and the influence of outside groups in Oklahoma politics.
Oklahoma lawmakers approved a series of education measures that will increase teacher pay, expand private school tax credits, lengthen daily recess for elementary students, and require some schools to spread instructional hours across more school days. Beginning in the 2026-27 school year, teachers will receive at least a $2,000 raise, while K-5 students will be guaranteed 40 minutes of daily recess. Another new law raises the minimum school year from 166 to 173 days, though it will only take effect if lawmakers provide additional funding. The changes reflect a broader push by Gov. Kevin Stitt and state legislators to reshape education policy through increased investment in teachers, literacy initiatives, and school accountability measures.
Oklahoma Attorney General and gubernatorial candidate Gentner Drummond has filed a lawsuit against Gov. Kevin Stitt, School Freedom Fund Oklahoma, and other unnamed parties, alleging they coordinated a false and defamatory advertising campaign ahead of the June 16 Republican primary. The lawsuit claims the ads falsely accused Drummond of supporting transgender activism and misusing taxpayer funds, allegations his campaign strongly denies. Drummond’s team argues the ads were part of a deliberate effort to mislead voters, while Stitt’s office has dismissed the lawsuit as a politically motivated distraction and denied any connection to the group behind the ads. The legal challenge adds another layer of tension to an increasingly contentious Oklahoma governor’s race marked by outside spending and negative advertising.
The Oklahoma Supreme Court ruled 8-1 that an agreement between the City of Tulsa and the Muscogee (Creek) Nation was invalid because it did not receive the required approval from the legislative Joint Committee on State-Tribal Relations and Gov. Kevin Stitt. The agreement would have allowed tribal citizens cited for municipal violations in Tulsa to have their cases prosecuted in tribal court rather than municipal court. Stitt argued the arrangement improperly applied laws differently based on tribal status, while Muscogee Nation leaders criticized the ruling and said the agreement had improved public safety and cooperation. The decision marks another significant development in the ongoing debate over tribal jurisdiction and state authority following the 2020 McGirt ruling.
Weekly Wrap Up
June 26, 2026: The House interim study filing deadline. The Speaker has until July 24, 2026 to approve or disapprove them.
The Senate is still working on their study timeline.
View Governor Stitt’s vetoes here.
QUOTE OF THE WEEK
“If we see those types of ads going again, I think I will call them in for a special session and say, ‘Hey, let’s make it clear that this kind of false advertising is not good. It’s not healthy. It’s not good for Oklahoma.’ Let’s let somebody get elected based on their merits,” Gov Stitt said regarding the use of AI in political campaign ads.