'Not Running': US Sen. Lankford Dismisses Rumors Of Running For Oklahoma Governor

Although Gov. Stitt will leave office in 2026, US Sen. James Lankford will not be running to replace him despite rumors he may join the race.

Tuesday, June 25th 2024, 9:21 am

By: News 9

OKLAHOMA CITY -

US Sen. James Lankford announced he will not seek to run for governor in 2026, putting to bed rumors he may seek the highest office in Oklahoma.

Gov. Stitt is term-limited and unable run again, and several names have been brought up to fill his seat once he leaves office. However, Lankford says he's not interested.

"I’ve probably answered a hundred times to people, no, not running for governor," Lankford said. "But this continues to be able to bubble up in all these places."

Lankford said running for governor is not what God called him to do.

Other names that have been brought up include Oklahoma House of Representatives Speaker Charles McCall, Attorney General Gentner Drummond, Lieutenant Gov. Matt Pinnell and State Superintendent Ryan Walters.