Oklahoma Governor Race: Who is Gentner Drummond?

Gentner Drummond, Oklahoma's Attorney General, has officially announced his candidacy for governor in the 2026 election.

This move positions him as a prominent contender in the upcoming race to succeed term-limited Governor Kevin Stitt.

Early Life and Military Service

Born in Stillwater, Oklahoma, Drummond hails from a distinguished lineage as a seventh-generation Oklahoman. His family's deep-rooted history in the state has significantly influenced his personal and professional trajectory. Demonstrating a commitment to service early on, Drummond joined the U.S. Air Force, where he served with distinction as a fighter pilot during the Gulf War. His performance earned him the Distinguished Flying Cross.

Legal and Business Career

Following his military service, Drummond pursued higher education, obtaining a law degree from Georgetown University in 1995. He subsequently returned to Oklahoma, where he embarked on a career encompassing law, ranching, and banking. In 1999, he established Drummond Law in Tulsa, leveraging his legal expertise to serve the community. Concurrently, he managed his family's ranching operations and engaged in banking ventures, showcasing a diverse professional portfolio.

Political Endeavors

Drummond's foray into politics began with his 2018 bid for Oklahoma Attorney General. Despite a vigorous campaign, he narrowly lost in the Republican primary runoff to incumbent Mike Hunter. Undeterred, Drummond returned to the political arena in 2022, securing the Attorney General position by defeating John O'Connor in the Republican primary and subsequently winning the general election.

Tenure as Attorney General

Since assuming office in January 2023, Drummond has undertaken several initiatives reflecting his commitment to law and order. Notably, he has targeted illegal marijuana operations proliferating after the legalization of medical marijuana in Oklahoma. Additionally, Drummond has occasionally diverged from party lines, particularly concerning the integration of religion into public education. He argued before the state Supreme Court that approving a publicly funded religious charter school violated both state and federal constitutions. During his time, he launched Oklahoma's Top 10 Most Wanted List, which aims to catch dangerous criminals that are wanted in the state.

Feuding with Governor Kevin Stitt

Drummond has frequently clashed with Governor Kevin Stitt over various issues, marking a significant political rift within Oklahoma’s Republican leadership. One of their most high-profile disputes involved the state’s management of tribal compacts. While Stitt has pushed for more state control over tribal agreements, Drummond has taken a more conciliatory approach, supporting cooperation with Oklahoma’s Native American nations. This difference in approach has led to public disagreements, with Drummond openly criticizing Stitt’s handling of negotiations.

Additionally, Drummond has investigated and challenged actions taken by the Stitt administration, including scrutinizing state contracts and questioning certain appointments. Stitt sued Drummond in 2024.

2026 Gubernatorial Campaign

On January 13, 2025, Drummond announced his gubernatorial candidacy at the Osage County Fairgrounds in Pawhuska, near his family's ranch. Emphasizing his independence, he stated, "I'm not running for governor so I can bow down to party bosses." His campaign has garnered early support, including an endorsement from the Oklahoma State Fraternal Order of Police. As the first major candidate to declare, Drummond's entry sets the stage for a competitive Republican primary, with other potential contenders such as former State Senator Mike Mazzei, State Superintendent Ryan Walters, former House Speaker Charles McCall, Lieutenant Governor Matt Pinnell, and Chip Keating considering bids.

See his announcement: Oklahoma Attorney General Gentner Drummond Announces He Is Running For Governor In 2026