The battle for Oklahoma’s next governor continued Thursday afternoon at a packed gubernatorial forum during the Tulsa Regional Chamber’s annual state of the state event.
Attorney General Gentner Drummond and former state Sen. Mike Mazzei will face off in a GOP runoff Aug. 25. Oklahoma House Minority Leader Cyndi Munson has already secured her spot as the Democratic nominee and will face either Drummond or Mazzei Nov. 3.
The GOP candidates have branded themselves as two different kinds of Republicans. Their back-and-forth has grown more tense in recent weeks, with the candidates sparring over drug tests, a proposed aluminum smelter in Inola and Mazzei declining appearances at public events.
Both support President Trump and intend to get rid of the state income tax, but Drummond has been more critical of the far-right members of his party.
Munson’s agenda includes pouring more money into public schools, lowering healthcare costs and repealing Oklahoma’s abortion ban.
The trio took to the stage Thursday to discuss education, tribal partnerships and access to healthcare across the state.
On education
Oklahoma is notoriously ranked near the bottom of the country in education metrics. Candidates were asked if they can replicate the “Mississippi miracle,” which has seen the state rise from 49th in reading to sitting among the top in test results.
Mazzei plans to hire a statewide literacy director and more reading coaches. He believes Oklahoma needs a complete revamp of the state’s reading curriculum in favor of a phonics-based program. He also has a goal to get 7,500 CareerTech students into a skilled trade program.
Munson was blunt in her solution: Stop funneling public money into private schools and reroute them into public schools and teacher salaries. While campaigning across the state, she says constituents have told her of the need for more school counselors and nurses. Oklahoma, she said, needs to ensure the basic needs of children before it can ever climb the ladder.
Drummond said things start with quality daycares and early childhood education. He said Oklahoma needs to focus on helping children improve discipline, stimulation and self control. Children who are stunted before going to kindergarten have led to poor education outcomes, he said.
On healthcare affordability and access
Oklahoma continues to showcase poor healthcare outcomes. Candidates were asked how they can address affordability issues and improve the overall system for residents in need of quality care.
As governor, Munson said, she will protect Medicaid expansion while making sure government funding is prioritizing healthcare.
“When we don’t feel good, we don’t go to work,” she said. “When children don’t feel good, they don’t go to school. We’ve got to take care of the whole Oklahoman: their healthcare, their mental healthcare.”
Drummond said the state is in danger of losing dozens of its rural hospitals within the next five years if the next governor doesn’t take a different approach. He pointed to issues of maternity deserts and administrative costs that have led to the state’s decline.
“We can do better than 48th in the nation,” he said. “We need a governor that prioritizes the health and well-being of our people, not delaying medical care until we’re Medicaid-, Medicare-eligible.”
Mazzei said he plans to model his medical professional recruitment program after the state’s aerospace program. He said his medical program would exempt doctors who start their practice in Oklahoma from having to pay an income tax. This, Mazzei added, will increase the state’s workforce and improve the overall healthcare system.
On tribal relations
Oklahoma is home to 38 federally recognized tribes. Gov. Kevin Stitt has had tumultuous relationships with the tribes in the state since taking office in 2019.
When asked how they would work with tribal nations, Mazzei said he’s already met with Gary Batton, chief of the Choctaw Nation, and believes he’s open to creating a strong partnership.
“I learned a long time ago in business and politics that it’s far better to negotiate than it is to litigate, and with that type of respectful attitude and dialogue, I look forward to great partnerships and win-win solutions,” Mazzei said.
Munson said she’s worked with the tribes throughout her 11 years in the state legislature. Once elected, she’ll continue efforts to improve housing access, education and healthcare for tribal citizens.
“It is embarrassing to the state of Oklahoma and to this nation the way that our governor has treated the tribes,” she said. “I’ve met with tribal members and citizens to show and demonstrate before even being elected governor that my interest and my priority is healing that relationship.”
As attorney general, Drummond said his relationship with the tribes has been instrumental in administering justice. He cited accomplishments of shutting down illicit marijuana operations, taking fentanyl off the streets, liberating women from sex trafficking and busting underground casinos.
“For the last three and a half years, I’ve been working interchangeably with the tribes of Oklahoma and criminal justice,” he said. “They are my partners.”
Closing arguments
While addressing reporters after the forum, Drummond expanded on comments he made Tuesday about some far-right members of the Republican Party.
During the Tulsa Press Club event earlier in the week, the AG said he didn’t think “extreme members” of the party were Republicans and he “considered them more fascist.’ Mazzei was not present at the forum.
“That was an unfair statement for me to make,” Drummond said. “I respect all Democrats, all Independents, and all Libertarians and all Republicans. Some have a different philosophy. Some (people’s) philosophy is so far-right that it tips off the edge. It’s not in the best interest, even for themselves.”
Munson told The Eagle if she wins she’ll be able to work with Oklahoma’s Republican majority.
“The 11 years I’ve been in the legislature, I’ve been in the super minority this entire time, but I’m able to get things done,” she said. “I know how the legislative process works. Building those relationships is key.”
Early voting runs from Aug. 20-22, with Election Day on Aug. 25. The winner of the Republican runoff will face Munson and independents Robert E. Brooks, Orlando Lynn Bush and Jerry Griffin in the Nov. 3 general election.
Find more information about what’s on your ballot and where to vote at the Flyer’s voter guide.
Ismael Lele is a Report for America corps member and writes about business in Tulsa for The Oklahoma Eagle. Your donation to match our Report for America grant helps keep him writing stories like this one; please consider making a tax-deductible gift of any amount today by visiting this link.
