OK GOP Gubernatorial Candidates Argue Over Trump Support

On August 28, 2018, Oklahoma Republicans vote on which candidate for governor will run against Democrat Drew Edmondson.

They'll choose either former Oklahoma City Mayor Mick Cornett or Tulsa businessman Kevin Stitt.

Both candidates say they're President Donald Trump supporters and Stitt's ads - claiming Cornett is a recent convert - started an argument over who supported Trump first.

"I'm furious about it," Cornett said.

8/13/2018 Related Story: 'Furious' Cornett Says Campaign Ad Distorts Record, Damages Reputation

Supporting President Trump could be an important issue in a race between a business person and long-time politician.

Stitt is tying his business experience to President Trump as a reason for voters to support him. In the News on 6/News 9 Debate, Stitt argued state government needs someone from outside politics.

8/7/2018 Related Story: Recap From The Oklahoma Republican Governor Debate

“We have to run government more like a business,” he said. "I think we need an outsider, a business person, someone from the private sector to come in and change the accountability."

Stitt founded Gateway Mortgage and claims that experience has a like-minded connection to the president.

“I voted for Trump, donated to Trump's campaign, and, as a business person, I love his perspective. He's not a career politician,” Stitt said.

Cornett says he has a good, actual working relationship with the president. And with the president's support so strong in Oklahoma, that's something voters will consider.

08/14/2018 Related Story: Cornett Camp Releases 'Bull Stitt' Ad

News On 6 and News 9 will feature stories on the Stitt and Cornett campaigns leading up to the runoff election on August 28, 2018.