Republican gubernatorial, attorney general candidates address business community at Chamber event

Republican candidates for governor and attorney general outlined their priorities for Oklahoma’s future during a Greater Oklahoma City Chamber candidate conversation held May 13, with discussions focused on education, economic development, public safety, healthcare and government accountability. 

The event featured gubernatorial candidates Chip Keating, Gentner Drummond, Mike Mazzei and Charles McCall, along with attorney general candidates John Echols and Jeff Starling. 

Throughout the event, candidates repeatedly emphasized workforce readiness, literacy outcomes, tax policy and Oklahoma’s long-term competitiveness. 

Keating, a former Oklahoma Highway Patrol trooper and business owner, focused heavily on education reform, public safety and government modernization, while also calling for additional infrastructure investment and stronger enforcement against illegal marijuana operations.  

Drummond highlighted his experience as Oklahoma’s attorney general and stressed partnerships with tribal nations, workforce development, and improvements to education, healthcare and mental health systems. He also pointed to ongoing efforts targeting organized crime connected to illegal marijuana operations.  

Mazzei centered much of his remarks on tax reform, literacy and economic growth, advocating for a phased elimination of the state income tax and additional investment in workforce training and career technology programs.  

McCall emphasized economic growth, infrastructure, healthcare and collaboration with tribal nations, while also discussing Oklahoma’s competitiveness with neighboring states and the importance of long-term tax policy planning.  

Attorney general candidates Echols and Starling discussed issues including public corruption, tort reform, illegal marijuana enforcement, regulatory reform and the role of the attorney general’s office in overseeing state agencies and protecting Oklahoma consumers.  

The conversation gave Chamber members and business leaders an opportunity to hear directly from candidates on issues ranging from education and healthcare to workforce, infrastructure and economic growth as Oklahoma heads toward the 2026 election cycle. 

The conversation featured a selection of Republican candidates running for governor and attorney general ahead of Oklahoma’s June 16 primary election. Multiple candidates from all parties are currently seeking statewide office.