Republicans flex their muscles, as Gov. Kevin Stitt easily staved off a challenge from Joy Hofmeister on Tuesday, Ryan Walters was elected as state Superintendent, and Republicans won all of the state’s seven Congressional races.
The state is deeply red, but the two most high-profile races this cycle are seemingly up for grabs.
Stitt is defending his record and stumping with national figures like Ted Cruz and Glenn Youngkin. Hofmeister is preaching unity and vowing to help “all Oklahomans.”
Gov. Kevin Stitt has seen his polling lead over challenger and former Republican Joy Hofmeister dwindle, then disappear. Some conservative voters have decided to switch sides, at least temporarily.
One candidate has in the past threatened to set himself on fire over abortion and has little experience as a prosecutor. The other is a former prosecutor turned defense attorney who carries the baggage of being a Democrat in a deeply conservative state.
Cole is the sixth man Oklahoma has put to death since resuming executions in 2021. Three more executions are scheduled before the end of the year.
Cole’s attorneys are still seeking a trial on the death row prisoner’s competency, arguing he’s too mentally ill to be executed.
Oklahoma has set execution dates for 24 more men by the end of 2024.
