Kevin Stitt

John Kevin Stitt (born December 28, 1972)[2][3] is an American businessman and politician who has served as the governor of Oklahoma since January 2019. He founded and is a former chairman and CEO of Gateway Mortgage Group. A Republican, he was elected governor in 2018. Stitt grew up in Norman, Oklahoma, and graduated from Oklahoma State University with a degree in accounting. He and his wife, Sarah, have six children. A member of the Cherokee Nation, Stitt is the second Native American to serve as governor of Oklahoma, after Johnston Murray.

Kevin Stitt
Stitt in 2020
28th Governor of Oklahoma
Assumed office
January 14, 2019
LieutenantMatt Pinnell
Preceded byMary Fallin
Personal details
Born
John Kevin Stitt

(1972-12-28) December 28, 1972
Milton, Florida, U.S.
Political partyRepublican
Spouse(s)
Sarah Hazen
(m. 1998)
[1]
Children6
ResidenceGovernor's Mansion
EducationOklahoma State University–Stillwater (BS)

Early life

Stitt was born in Milton, Florida, and spent his early years in Wayne, Oklahoma. He later moved to Norman, where his father was the pastor of Riverside Church. He graduated from Norman High School[4] and from Oklahoma State University with a degree in accounting. Stitt helped pay his way through college by selling educational products door-to-door with Southwestern Advantage. He was the first person in the company's 115-year history to achieve the top sales as a first-year salesperson.[4] Stitt is a member of the Gamma Lambda chapter of the Beta Theta Pi fraternity.

Financial services career

Stitt worked in the financial services sector before starting Gateway in 2000.[5] He founded the company and was president and CEO until January 2014, when he became chairman-CEO. Stitt has said he started Gateway in 2000 with "$1,000 and a computer." His first obstacle was to get approved as a Federal Housing Administration (FHA) lender, for which the company needed a net worth of $50,000. To achieve that, Stitt put forward the equity in his home. In 2002, Gateway secured its first warehouse line, began obtaining licensing in states other than Oklahoma, and started recruiting loan officers. By 2006, it had over 400 employees.

In August 2018, Stitt stepped down as CEO and hired outside management. Legal Counsel Scott Gesell became CEO in 2020[6][7] and Stitt remained chairman until shortly before his inauguration as governor.[8] Gateway is a midsize company based in Jenks, Oklahoma. It employs more than 1,200 people and originates mortgages in 41 states.[9]

Gateway's mortgage licensing issues

After a decade of rapid growth, a few Gateway employees were fired for making non-compliant loans.[10] In 2009, Gateway was listed in a Business Insider article as one of the 15 shadiest lenders in the government-backed mortgage industry.[11][12] The article said Gateway originated nearly twice as many bad mortgages as its competitors.[12] An August 19, 2018, Oklahoman newspaper article highlighted the Business Insider article's inaccuracies, reporting that "in the Illinois case, a consent order states that the Illinois banking agency investigated a Gateway loan originator for an 'alleged real estate, appraisal, and mortgage fraud scheme.' Gateway fired the employee, asked for a hearing and then agreed to what investigators found. Gateway agreed to a $10,000 fine. ... Stitt campaign spokeswoman Donelle Harder said the license in Illinois was never revoked. The state agreed after the appeal not to revoke the license, she said."[10]

NEWS9 also said that according to Georgia's Department of Banking and Finance, Stitt was banned for five years and the company was banned for life from origination mortgages in Georgia. According to the Oklahoman, a Gateway corporate attorney said there were misrepresentations and insufficient background checks by employees in the Georgia office but Stitt was not involved. The employees were fired and Gateway paid a $2,000 fine. The state overturned the lifetime ban on Gateway, effective November 2017. Gateway is able to do business in all 50 states.[10]

During Stitt's gubernatorial campaign, Oklahoma Watch reported that Wisconsin regulators fined Gateway for a "clerical error" regarding its history with regulators from other states. Gateway corrected the application and was issued a license in 2009. It remains in good standing in Wisconsin.[13]

2018 Oklahoma gubernatorial campaign

In July 2017, Stitt announced his candidacy[14][15][16] for the Republican nomination[17][18] for governor in 2018.[19][20] Facing nine other candidates in the primary election, he ran a statewide campaign with stops in nearly every city and town in all 77 counties. He finished second, defeating, among others, Lieutenant Governor Todd Lamb.[21][22] In the August 28 primary runoff, Stitt defeated Mick Cornett, a former mayor of Oklahoma City.[23] In the November general election, Stitt defeated the Democratic nominee, former Attorney General Drew Edmondson, and Libertarian Chris Powell .[24]

In the GOP runoff, political newcomer Stitt received crucial support from a trio of conservative leaders as U.S. Senator Ted Cruz[25] and former U.S. Senators Rick Santorum[26] and Tom Coburn endorsed him.[27] In the general election, Stitt was endorsed by former primary rival Mick Cornett,[28] the incumbent governor of Oklahoma, Mary Fallin,[29] and President Donald Trump.[30] The Oklahoman reported that the Stitt campaign rejected Fallin's endorsement: "'We did not seek [Fallin's endorsement], and Kevin Stitt has run on a campaign message that he will do things a lot differently,' said Donelle Harder, spokeswoman for the Stitt campaign. 'He is focused on changing the structure of state government and cleaning up the mess we are currently in at the Capitol.'"[28]

During his campaign, Stitt called himself "the only job creator with proven business experience" running for governor[31] and emphasized his business background.[32] He called on the state to become "top 10 in job growth, top 10 in education and top 10 in infrastructure."[33]

During the general election, the close race drew increased attention from national media and political figures.[34] Vice President Mike Pence campaigned for Stitt.[35][36][37]

Governor of Oklahoma

Stitt (left) attending a White House conference in December 2018, seated next to Governor-elect Brad Little of Idaho.

Transition

After the election, transition activities began as Stitt prepared to assume office.[38] A spokesperson for the Oklahoma Office of Management and Enterprise Services announced that Stitt would occupy temporary office space in the Capitol, which was under renovation, and not occupy the Governor's Office until early 2020 due to the restoration project. Stitt also announced that he would not immediately move his family into the Oklahoma Governor's Mansion in Oklahoma City, instead remaining in Jenks until summer 2019 to allow his daughter to graduate from high school.[38]

Inauguration

Stitt was inaugurated on January 14, 2019, at the Oklahoma State Capitol. Chief Justice of Oklahoma Noma Gurich swore him and Lieutenant Governor Matt Pinnell into office. Stitt then gave a 15-minute inaugural address.[39]

Cabinet positions

The Cabinet of Governor Kevin Stitt
(2019–present)
Office Name Term
Governor Kevin Stitt 2019–present
Lieutenant Governor Matt Pinnell 2019–present
Chief Operating Officer/Secretary of Agency Accountability John Budd 2019–present
Secretary of State Michael Rogers 2019–2020
Brian Bingman 2020–present
Secretary of Energy and Environment Kenneth Wagner 2019–present
Secretary of Agriculture Blayne Arthur 2019–present
Secretary of Transportation Tim Gatz 2019–present
Secretary of Public Safety Chip Keating 2019–2021
Vacant 2021-present
Secretary of the Budget Mike Mazzei 2019–2020
Vacant 2020-present
Secretary of Commerce and Workforce Development Sean Kouplen 2019–present
Secretary of Tourism and Branding Matt Pinnell 2019–present
Secretary of Health and Mental Health Jerome Loughridge 2019–2020
Kevin Corbett 2020-present
Secretary of Human Services and Early Childhood Initiatives Steve Buck 2019-2020
Justin Brown 2020–present
Secretary of Science and Innovation Kayse Shrum 2019–2020
Elizabeth Pollard 2020-present
Secretary of Native American Affairs Lisa Johnson Billy 2019-2019
Position Abolished
Secretary of Digital Transformation and Administration David Ostrowe 2019–present
Secretary of Veterans Affairs and the Military Ben Robinson 2019–present
Secretary of Education Michael Rogers 2019–2020
Ryan Walters 2020-present
Chief of Staff Michael Junk 2019–2020
Bond Payne 2020-present
General Counsel Mark Burget 2019–2021
Jason Reece 2021-present
Chief Financial Officer Amanda Rodriguez 2020–present
Adjutant General Michael C. Thompson 2019–present

Before taking office, Stitt nominated former state Representative Michael Rogers as his Secretary of State and Tulsa Deputy Mayor Michael Junk (a former advisor to U.S. Senators Jim Inhofe and Tom Coburn)[40] as his chief of staff.[41]

On December 23, 2019, citing disagreements with Stitt over his handling of negotiations with the state's various Indian tribes about gambling compacts, Lisa Johnson Billy became the first member of the Stitt's cabinet to resign. A member of the Chickasaw Nation and former Republican state representative, Billy viewed Stitt's negotiation position as one of "unnecessary conflict."[42] Stitt tapped his Secretary of State Mike Rogers to assume those duties and temporarily combined the two positions.

Cabinet confirmation process

Position Name Announcement Senate Committee Full Senate
vote date
Confirmation vote
(Yes-No-Absent)
Ref
Secretary of State Mike Rogers November 27, 2018 General Government April 23, 2019 44-0-4
Secretary of Education Mike Rogers January 24, 2019 General Government April 23, 2019 44-0-4
Ryan Walters September 10, 2020 Senate confirmation pending
Secretary of Energy and Environment Kenneth E. Wagner November 28, 2018 Energy May 1, 2019 41-0-7
Secretary of Agriculture Blayne Arthur December 13, 2018 Agriculture and Wildlife February 26, 2019 43-0-5
Adjutant General Michael C. Thompson December 14, 2018 Veterans Affairs and Military May 13, 2019 45-1-2
Secretary of the Budget Mike Mazzei December 20, 2018 Appropriations May 15, 2019 47-1-0
Secretary of Commerce and Workforce Development Sean P. Kouplen January 3, 2019 Business, Commerce, and Tourism April 16, 2019 43-0-5
Secretary of Agency Accountability John Budd January 7, 2019 General Government April 23, 2019 44-0-4
Secretary of Tourism and Branding Matt Pinnell January 17, 2019 Business, Commerce, and Tourism April 23, 2019 46-0-2
Secretary of Digital Transformation and Administration David Ostrowe January 18, 2019 General Government April 23, 2019 44-0-4
Secretary of Transportation Tim Gatz January 18, 2019 Transportation April 23, 2019 45-0-3
Secretary of Native American Affairs Lisa Johnson Billy January 30, 2019 General Government April 23, 2019 44-0-4
Secretary of Human Services Steven Buck February 14, 2019 Health and Human Services May 8, 2019 46-0-2
Secretary of Public Safety Chip Keating February 21, 2019 Public Safety April 24, 2019 42-0-6
Secretary of Veterans Affairs Brian Brurud February 21, 2019 Nomination withdrawn March 18, 2019
Ben Robinson April 15, 2019 Veterans Affairs and Military May 13, 2019 46-0-2
Secretary of Science and Innovation Kayse Shrum March 14, 2019 Education May 2, 2019 44-0-4
Elizabeth Pollard June 29, 2020 Senate confirmation pending
Secretary of Health Jerome Loughridge March 14, 2019 Health and Human Services May 8, 2019 47-0-1
Kevin Corbett June 29, 2020 Senate confirmation pending

Sub-Cabinet officials

Office Agency Name Announcement Senate Committee Full Senate
vote date
Confirmation vote
(Yes-No-Absent)
Ref
Commissioner Department of Agriculture Blayne Arthur December 13, 2018 Agriculture and Wildlife February 26, 2019 43-0-5
Director Department of Commerce Brent Kisling January 3, 2019 Business, Commerce, and Tourism April 16, 2019 43-0-5
Director Office of Management and Enterprise Services John Budd January 7, 2019 General Government April 23, 2019 46-0-2
Steven Harpe January 23, 2020 Senate confirmation pending
Commissioner Department of Health Tom Bates January 14, 2019 Interim basis
Gary Cox September 12, 2019 Senate confirmation pending
State Chief Information Officer Office of Management and Enterprise Services Bo Reese January 14, 2019 Senate confirmation not required
Donald Moore February 13, 2020 Senate confirmation not required
Executive Director Department of Veteran Affairs Doug Elliot January 14, 2019 Senate confirmation not required
Joel Kintsel September 6, 2019 Senate confirmation not required
Executive Director Turnpike Authority Tim Gatz January 14, 2019 Senate confirmation not required
Commissioner Department of Mental Health Terri White January 14, 2019 Senate confirmation not required
Carrie Slatton-Hodges February 1, 2020 Interim basis
Director of Homeland Security Department of Public Safety Kim E. Carter January 15, 2019 Senate confirmation not required
Director Department of Emergency Management Mark Gower January 29, 2019 Public Safety April 24, 2019 42-0-6
Commissioner Department of Public Safety Rusty Rhoades February 22, 2019 Public Safety April 24, 2019 42-0-6
John Scully September 2, 2019 Senate confirmation pending
Director Department of Tourism and Recreation Jerry Winchester April 2, 2019 Business, Commerce, and Tourism May 7, 2019 45-0-3
Director Department of Transportation Tim Gatz May 1, 2019 Transportation May 13, 2019 48-0-0
Director Office of Juvenile Affairs Steven Buck May 1, 2019 Health and Human Services May 15, 2019 47-0-1
Director Department of Human Services Justin Brown June 4, 2019 Senate confirmation pending
Deputy Secretary of Public Safety Department of Corrections Tricia Everest June 13, 2019 Senate confirmation not required
Director Department of Corrections Scott Crow June 14, 2019[43] Senate confirmation pending
Deputy Secretary of Health Health Care Authority Carter Kimble June 21, 2019 Senate confirmation not required
Secretary General Land Office A. Brandt Vawter July 8, 2019 Interim basis
Director Health Care Authority Kevin Corbett August 5, 2019 Senate confirmation pending
Director of Workforce Development Department of Commerce Don Morris August 12, 2019 Senate confirmation not required
Commissioner State Banking Department Mick Thompson December 10, 2019[44] Senate confirmation pending
Chief of the Highway Patrol Department of Public Safety Michael Harrell January 14, 2019[45] Senate confirmation not required
Brent Sugg September 11, 2019 Senate confirmation not required
Director State Bureau of Investigastion Ricky G. Adams January 14, 2019[46] Senate confirmation not required

Abortion

Stitt received a 100% score from the pro-life advocacy group Oklahomans for Life.[47]

Capital punishment

Oklahoma has a long history with capital punishment, having conducted the third-most executions since the death penalty was reinstated in Gregg v. Georgia (1976).[48] But in 2015, a moratorium was placed on all state executions following the botched execution of Clayton Lockett in April 2014 and the execution of Charles Warner by unauthorized methods in January 2015.[49] On February 13, 2020, Stitt announced that the moratorium would be lifted.[50]

Criminal justice reform

Beginning with the adoption of State Question 780 by Oklahoma voters in 2016, advocates for criminal justice reform sought additional measures. SQ780, which changed the classification of simple drug possession crimes from felony to misdemeanor and increased the cap for property crimes to be considered felonies, had already reduced the rate of felony prosecution statewide by 26% by 2018.[51] In May 2019, Stitt proposed several ideas, including making SQ780's sentencing standards retroactive, prohibiting criminal records from being considered for professional licensing, and restructuring the funding scheme for the various district attorney offices.[52] The legislature made SQ780 retroactive by allowing parole for those convicted before SQ780 became effective and reforming professional licensing,[53] but did not approve bills to reform Oklahoma's cash bail system.[54] In response to legislative defeats, Stitt issued an executive order to form a study group to make recommendations for future criminal justice reform for consideration during the 2020 legislative session, with particular emphasis on reducing Oklahoma's incarceration rate.[55]

Drug policy

In mid-2018, Oklahoma voters approved State Question 788, which legalized the licensed use, sale, and growth of marijuana for medical purposes. As a candidate, Stitt cited a need to implement the results of the election by enacting a comprehensive regulatory scheme.[56] After months of negotiation with legislative leaders, Stitt signed HB2612, the Oklahoma Medical Marijuana and Patient Protection Act. Also known as the "Marijuana Unity Bill", HB2612 provided an extensive medical marijuana framework, including licensing requirements and rights for patients.[57]

Government reform

In his first state of the state address, Stitt called for increased appointment power over major state agencies. The legislature granted his request by adopting five new laws, giving him direct control over the Oklahoma Department of Corrections, the Oklahoma Health Care Authority, the Oklahoma Department of Transportation, the Oklahoma Office of Juvenile Affairs, and the Oklahoma Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services.[58] These agencies were previously under the control of multi-member boards or commissions that acted independently of the governor.

In exchange for additional appointment powers and at legislative leaders' request, Stitt signed into law SB1, which established the Oklahoma Legislative Office of Fiscal Transparency in the legislative branch. Under the direction of an oversight committee composed of members of the State Senate and House of Representatives, the office will provide auditing, evaluation, and investigative services for the legislature relating to the governor's proposed budget and expenditures by the executive branch.[59]

Guns

During his campaign for governor, Stitt ran on an anti-gun control platform.[60] The first law Stitt signed after taking office permitted anyone 21 or older, or 18 if a member or veteran of the United States Armed Forces, to carry a firearm without obtaining a permit or completing training.[61] Stitt also signed HB2010, which expands the places a firearm may be carried to include municipal zoos and parks, regardless of size, as long as it is concealed.[62]

Healthcare

Stitt opposes Medicaid expansion in Oklahoma.[63] His refusal to expand the program resulted in the filing of an citizens' initiative petition, State Question 802, to enact the expansion into the state constitution notwithstanding Stitt's opposition.

Judicial reform

Stitt signed legislation reorganizing the Oklahoma Supreme Court and the Oklahoma Court of Civil Appeals. Prior to the reforms, Supreme Court justices were appointed from nine separate districts representing various collections of counties. Under the legislation, as of 2020 the Court's nine judicial districts were redrawn such that five were made coequal with the state's five congressional districts and the other four are at large with the state as whole.[64] Similarly, the five judicial districts used to appoint judges to the Court of Criminal Appeals were made coequal with the congressional districts. The legislation left the method for appointing appellate judges via the Oklahoma Judicial Nominating Commission unchanged. The reform's ostensible purpose was to increase the pool of applicants to the appellate courts.

Tribal relations

Under the authority of the federal Indian Gaming Regulatory Act, in 2004 Oklahoma voters approved State Question 712, which adopted the Oklahoma State-Tribal Gaming Act. Under the Act, the State of Oklahoma offers each federally recognized Indian tribe the right to conduct commercial gambling within its territory upon accepting the terms of a uniform state-tribal gaming compact. The compact allowed the compacting tribes to conduct gaming in return for "exclusivity fees" to the state treasury averaging 6% of gaming revenues.[65] The compact was scheduled to automatically renew on January 1, 2020.

In a July 2019 op-ed in the Tulsa World followed by a letter to the chiefs of 35 Oklahoma tribes, Stitt called on tribal leaders to renegotiate the terms of the compact before its expiration date.[66] In particular, he called for increasing the exclusivity fees to between 13% and 25%.[67] Stitt's office maintained the compact is not subject to automatic renewal, a claim the tribes rejected, believing it will continue indefinitely unless changes are mutually agreed upon.[68][69] In either event, the Oklahoma Legislature would presumably have to be involved in any renegotiation, since the state's compact offer is defined and controlled by state statute, and federal law requires that the United States Department of the Interior approve any new compact terms.[70]

In August 2019, the various tribes refused to meet with Stitt to negotiate the amount of the exclusivity fees unless he conceded that the compact would otherwise automatically renew.[71] Stitt had proposed a September 3 date to begin discussions but the tribes rejected it.

At the end of December 2019, the Choctaw, Cherokee, and Chickasaw tribes filed suit in the United States District Court for the Western District of Oklahoma to end the dispute over the compact.[72] On December 31, Stitt signed an extension to the hunting and fishing license compact with the Choctaw Nation, a previous point of contention.[73]

On July 28, 2020, U.S. District Judge Timothy DeGiusti ruled in the tribes' favor, holding that their compacts with the state automatically renewed for an additional 15-year term on January 1, 2020. A week earlier, on July 21, the Oklahoma Supreme Court ruled that the new gaming compacts signed by the state and the Comanche Nation and the Otoe-Missouria Tribe are invalid under state law. The Court ruled that Stitt "exceeded his authorities" in entering into the compacts because they would have allowed gaming that is illegal in Oklahoma, like sports betting.[74]

Response to coronavirus outbreak

In March 2020, Stitt went out to restaurants amid the coronavirus pandemic and posted a photo on Twitter of him doing so with two of his children.[75][76] He later deleted the tweet, and his spokesperson said, "the governor will continue to take his family out to dinner and to the grocery store without living in fear and encourages Oklahomans to do the same."[77] President Trump said he did not advocate going out to eat but did not criticize Stitt.[78] In the tweet, Stitt wrote, "Eating with my kids and all my fellow Oklahomans ... It's packed tonight!" The photograph he posted with his kids showed them smiling while surrounded by restaurant patrons.[79] On June 20, Stitt attended the Trump rally in Tulsa, and was seen without wearing a mask.[80] On July 15, Stitt announced that he had tested positive for COVID-19.[81] He is the first United States governor diagnosed with COVID-19.[82]

In April 2020, Stitt ordered a massive purchase of hydroxychloroquine, a drug of unproven efficacy as a treatment against the coronavirus but which had been heavily promoted by Donald Trump and his allies.[83] By January 2021, Oklahoma had a $2 million stockpile of hydroxychloroquine which it sought to offload.[83]

Judicial appointments

The governor of Oklahoma is responsible for making appointments to Oklahoma state courts upon a vacancy. Candidates for appointment are reviewed by the Oklahoma Judicial Nominating Commission, which forwards three names to the governor. The governor appoints one of the three without further confirmation. As of 2020, there are 29 appellate court judges (9 Supreme Court justices, 5 Court of Criminal Appeals judge, 12 Court of Civil Appeals judges, and 3 Court of Military Appeals judges) and 156 trial judges (75 district judges, 77 associate district judges, 4 Workers Compensation Court judges) subject to the gubernatorial appointment process.

Appellate courts

# Judge Position Court District Former Judge Appointment date End of service Successor Judge Ref.
1 M. John Kane IV Justice Supreme Court 1st John F. Reif September 17, 2019 Incumbent Incumbent
2 Dustin Rowe Justice Supreme Court 2nd Patrick Wyrick November 18, 2019 Incumbent Incumbent
3 Daniel G. Webber Judge Military Court of Appeals N/A New Position June 3, 2020 Incumbent Incumbent
4 Michelle L. Keely Judge Military Court of Appeals N/A New Position June 3, 2020 Incumbent Incumbent
5 Trevor Pemberton Judge Civil Appeals 4st Larry Joplin August 24, 2020 Incumbent Incumbent
6 Thomas E. Prince Judge Civil Appeals 5th Kenneth L. Buettner January 1, 2021 Incumbent Incumbent
7 TBD Judge Civil Appeals 1st Jerry L. Goodman TBD

Trial courts

# Judge Position County District Former Judge Appointment date End of service Successor Judge Ref.
1 Christine Larson Associate District Judge Cimarron 1st Ronald L. Kincannon March 8, 2019 Incumbent Incumbent
2 Timothy King District Judge Muskogee 15th Mike Norman November 4, 2019 Incumbent Incumbent
3 Laura Farris Associate District Judge Creek 24th Mark Ihrig January 17, 2020 Incumbent Incumbent
4 Shelia Stinson District Judge Oklahoma 7th Lisa Davis July 17, 2020 Incumbent Incumbent
5 Stuart Tate District Judge Osage 10th M. John Kane IV September 16, 2020 Incumbent Incumbent
6 Pandee Ramirez District Judge Okmulgee 24th Ken Adair September 17, 2020 Incumbent Incumbent
7 James Huber District Judge Tulsa 14th Linda Morrissey October 16, 2020 Incumbent Incumbent
8 Michelle Lee Bondine Keely District Judge Tulsa 14th Jefferson Sellers November 11, 2020 Incumbent Incumbent
9 Bethany Eve Stanley Associate District Judge Cleveland 21st Stephen W. Bonner November 23, 2020 Incumbent Incumbent
TBD TBD Associate District Judge Woodward 4th Don Work TBD
TBD TBD Judge Workers Compensation Court N/A TBD

Personal life

Stitt is a citizen of the Cherokee Nation through his great-grandfather, Robert Benton Dawson. Dawson was given land in the Skiatook area because of his tribal citizenship, and the land is still in the family, now owned by an uncle of Stitt's.[4] Stitt's maternal grandparents were dairy farmers in Skiatook. His paternal grandfather was the head veterinarian at the Oklahoma City Stockyards.[84]

Stitt married Sarah Hazen in 1998 and they have six children. The Stitts are active with the Woodlake Church in Tulsa.[85]

Electoral history

June 26, 2018 Republican gubernatorial primary[86]
Party Candidate Votes %
Republican Mick Cornett 132,806 29.3
Republican Kevin Stitt 110,479 24.4
Republican Todd Lamb 107,985 23.9
Republican Dan Fisher 35,818 7.9
Republican Gary Jones 25,243 5.6
Republican Gary Richardson 18,185 4.0
Republican Blake Stephens 12,211 2.7
Republican Christopher Barnett 5,240 1.2
Republican Barry Gowdy 2,347 0.5
Republican Eric Foutch 2,292 0.5
Total votes 452,606 100.0
August 28, 2018 Republican gubernatorial primary runoff[87]
Party Candidate Votes %
Republican Kevin Stitt 164,892 54.56
Republican Mick Cornett 137,316 45.44
Total votes 302,208 100.0
2018 Oklahoma gubernatorial election
Party Candidate Votes %
Republican Kevin Stitt 644,579 54.33%
Democratic Drew Edmondson 500,973 42.23%
Libertarian Chris Powell 40,833 3.44%
Total votes 1,186,385 100.0%
Republican hold

References

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  43. Corrections Director Scott Crow was named interim director on June 14, 2019 and nominated to the permanent post on December 6, 2019.
  44. State Banking Commissioner Mick Thompson was initially appointed in 1992 by Governor David Walters. He was subsequently reappointed in 1996, 2000, 2004, 2008, 2012, 2016, and 2020.
  45. OHP Chief Michael Harrell was initially appointed in 2017 under Governor Mary Fallin. He was subsequently retained by Stitt.
  46. OSBI Ricky Adams was initially appointed in 2018 under Governor Mary Fallin. He was subsequently retained by Stitt.
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  48. Executions in the United States, by state
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  51. Gentzler, Ryan (February 19, 2018). "SQ 780 is already reshaping Oklahoma's justice system".
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  53. Monies, Paul (April 29, 2019). "Oklahoma Watch: 5 questions answered on this year's criminal justice reform bills".
  54. Chandler, Quinton (May 30, 2019). "Legislators leave criminal justice reform bills on the table as prison population grows".
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  57. Hoberock, Barbara (March 15, 2019). "Medical marijuana 'Unity Bill' signed into law by Gov. Kevin Stitt".
  58. Zheng, Lili (March 13, 2019). "Stitt signs 5 government accountability bills".
  59. Boles, Brad (May 26, 2019). "Legislature adjourns, Gov. Stitt signs budget".
  60. Reporter, Janelle Stecklein CNHI Oklahoma. "Machine guns, shooting matches encroaching election". Enidnews.com. Retrieved October 27, 2018.
  61. Hoberock, Barbara (February 27, 2019). "'Constitutional carry' becomes first legislation signed into law by Gov. Kevin Stitt".
  62. Oklahoma Firearms Act of 1971 Amendments Act
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  68. Forman, Carmen (July 13, 2019). "Oklahoma's Five Tribes reject Stitt's call to renegotiate gaming compacts".
  69. Hoberock, Barbara (July 28, 2019). "Legal expert says Stitt mistaken on tribal gaming fees assessment".
  70. Forman, Carmen (August 12, 2019). "Lawmakers urge collaboration in gaming compact negotiations".
  71. Forman, Carmen (August 30, 2019). "Tribes to Stitt: 'We still have some fundamental differences in our positions'".
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  83. "Oklahoma trying to return its $2m stockpile of hydroxychloroquine". The Frontier. Retrieved January 27, 2021.
  84. "Oklahoma Farm Report - Gubernatorial Candidate Kevin Stitt Says Ag will Always have a Seat at the Table in His Administration". www.oklahomafarmreport.com. Archived from the original on October 27, 2018. Retrieved October 27, 2018.
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  87. "UNOFFICIAL RESULTS". Oklahoma State Election Board. Archived from the original on August 30, 2018. Retrieved August 28, 2018.
Party political offices
Preceded by
Mary Fallin
Republican nominee for Governor of Oklahoma
2018
Incumbent
Political offices
Preceded by
Mary Fallin
Governor of Oklahoma
2019–present
Incumbent
U.S. order of precedence (ceremonial)
Preceded by
Kamala Harris
as Vice President
Order of Precedence of the United States
Within Oklahoma
Succeeded by
Mayor of city
in which event is held
Succeeded by
Otherwise Nancy Pelosi
as Speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives
Preceded by
Spencer Cox
as Governor of Utah
Order of Precedence of the United States
Outside Oklahoma
Succeeded by
Michelle Lujan Grisham
as Governor of New Mexico
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