Oklahoma politics heat up ahead of 2026 governor's race

On this week’s edition of Your Vote Counts, panelists discussed the 2026 governor’s race, school bus safety, homelessness, and political violence.

Governor’s race

Panelists said the 2026 Republican primary is already intensifying, with Gov. Kevin Stitt, House Speaker Charles McCall, and Attorney General Gentner Drummond drawing attention. Drummond has been running television ads for months, while McCall’s campaign recently launched its own ad campaign.

Democratic House leader Cindy Munson is also traveling the state, though analysts noted she is staying out of the early exchanges between Republican contenders.

Panelists cautioned that negative campaigning could backfire with voters who want to hear more about candidates’ plans for the state.

School bus seatbelts

Following a recent school bus crash in Minco, panelists revisited the long-standing debate over seatbelts on school buses. While no deaths were reported in the Minco crash, leaders said the incident highlights safety concerns.

Past opposition to seatbelt requirements has centered on cost and whether older buses could be retrofitted. Panelists suggested that at a minimum, activity buses traveling on highways should include seatbelts.

Watch part two of Your Vote Counts in the player below

Homelessness and Operation Safe

The discussion also touched on Gov. Stitt’s “Operation Safe,” launched in Tulsa to clear encampments on state-owned land. Critics have questioned whether such efforts address the root causes of homelessness.

Panelists said long-term solutions require investments in shelters, services, and poverty reduction strategies, rather than simply moving encampments.

Political violence and hate

The program concluded with a conversation about political violence, following the killing of conservative activist Charlie Kirk this week. Panelists condemned political violence and called for lowering rhetoric across the political spectrum.

Panelists also reflected on anniversaries of national tragedies, including the Oklahoma City bombing and the September 11 attacks, noting how past events continue to shape public understanding of violence and hate.