Oklahoma state executive official elections, 2022
The 2022 Oklahoma state elections took place on November 8, 2022. Voters cast ballots for 9 statewide executive offices including Governor, Lt. Governor, Attorney General, and more. All of Oklahoma’s executive offices were on the ballot except for Secretary of State, which is next up for election in 2026.
With Republicans in firm control of Oklahoma politics, much of the action took place in the GOP primaries earlier in the year, where more conservative challengers sought to oust some incumbent officeholders. The general election in November was anticipated to result in continued Republican dominance of statewide offices.
Key Races and Candidates
Governor
Incumbent Republican Governor Kevin Stitt faced Democrat Joy Hofmeister, Libertarian Natalie Bruno, and Independent Ervin Yen in his bid for a second term. Stitt defeated Hofmeister handily, winning re-election by over 20 points.
Hofmeister, a former Republican who switched parties to run against Stitt, served as Oklahoma’s Superintendent of Public Instruction from 2015 to 2019 prior to resigning to launch her gubernatorial campaign.
Lieutenant Governor
Incumbent Republican Lt. Governor Matt Pinnell was opposed by Democrat Melinda Alizadeh-Fard and Libertarian Chris Powell. Pinnell easily won re-election over his relatively unknown challengers.
Attorney General
Republican Gentner Drummond, a lawyer, defeated incumbent AG John O’Connor in the June Republican primary and went on to win the seat unopposed in November. No Democrats filed to run for the open seat.
State Treasurer
Term-limited incumbent Republican Randy McDaniel could not run again in 2022.
The Republican nominee was Todd Russ, who defeated Democrat Charles de Coune, an attorney, in the general election.
State Auditor
Incumbent Republican State Auditor Cindy Byrd ran unopposed for re-election in both the primary and general.
Superintendent of Public Instruction
Incumbent Republican Joy Hofmeister did not seek re-election and instead ran for governor.
The Republican nominee was Ryan Walters, who defeated Democrat Jena Nelson, an executive director of a statewide education nonprofit, in a close contest.
Labor Commissioner
Incumbent Republican Labor Commissioner Leslie Osborn won re-election, defeating Democrat Jack Henderson, an attorney, and Libertarian Will Daugherty.
Corporation Commissioner
One seat on the 3-member Oklahoma Corporation Commission was up for election.
Republican Kim David, a former state representative, won the open seat, defeating Democrat Warigia Bowman, an energy industry attorney.
Insurance Commissioner
Incumbent Republican Glen Mulready ran unopposed for re-election as Insurance Commissioner.
Voter Registration and Voting Information
Voter Registration Deadline
The deadline to register to vote in the November 8 election was October 14, 2022.
Absentee/Mail-in Voting Deadlines
The deadline to request an absentee ballot was October 24, 2022.
The deadline to return completed absentee ballots was November 8, 2022.
Early Voting Dates
Oklahoma offered early voting from November 2 to November 5, 2022.
Election Day Polling Hours
Polls were open from 7am to 7pm on Tuesday, November 8, 2022.
Recent Election History and Current Political Makeup
2020 Elections
In 2020, Oklahoma held elections for one seat on the Corporation Commission. No statewide executive offices were up for election.
Party Control
Oklahoma has been dominated by Republican control for over a decade. Currently, Republicans hold the governorship, majorities in both houses of the state legislature, and all statewide executive offices except Superintendent of Public Instruction.
Conclusion
The 2022 midterms represented an opportunity for Oklahoma voters to weigh in on the direction of state government by choosing their top elected executives. While Republicans were expected to maintain control of most statewide offices, some races were competitive, offering voters a choice between GOP incumbents and Democratic or Libertarian challengers. The election shaped the state’s leadership and set the tone for the next four years in Oklahoma politics and policymaking.
FAQs
When is the next election for Oklahoma Governor?
The Oklahoma gubernatorial election took place on November 8, 2022. Governor Kevin Stitt was re-elected to a second four-year term. The next gubernatorial election will be in 2026.
Who is expected to control the Oklahoma legislature after the 2022 elections?
Republicans are expected to maintain firm majority control of both chambers of the Oklahoma legislature after the 2022 midterms. The GOP has held sizeable majorities in the state House and Senate since 2004.
How long do elected officials serve in their positions in Oklahoma?
The governor and lieutenant governor are elected to four-year terms in Oklahoma. The other statewide executive offices like Attorney General, Auditor, etc. serve four-year terms as well. State legislators serve two-year terms.
When is the next time Oklahomans will vote for US Senate?
Oklahoma held its last US Senate election in 2020. The state’s next US Senate election will be in 2026, when incumbent Republican James Lankford is up for re-election. Senator Jim Inhofe’s seat is not up again until 2028.
What identification is required to vote in Oklahoma elections?
Oklahoma has voter ID requirements. Acceptable ID includes a driver’s license, state ID card, passport, tribal ID, and military ID. Voters without acceptable ID can cast a provisional ballot and provide ID within 3 days.
