Chip Keating jumps into race for Governor

The 2026 campaign for Oklahoma Governor is about to get a lot more interesting. Joining heavyweight candidates like Attorney General Center Drummond, former House Speaker Charles McCall, and former State Senator Mike Mazzei, we now have Chip Keating - the son of a former governor and himself a former Secretary Public Safety.

Chip Keating Enters Race for Governor of Oklahoma

OKLAHOMA CITY - Chip Keating, a former Oklahoma Highway Patrol trooper, Secretary of Public Safety, and independent businessman, entered the race today for governor of Oklahoma. Keating enters the Republican primary promising to take on the threats facing Oklahoma families, crack down on crime, grow Oklahoma’s economy, and work with President Trump to make Oklahoma a leader in the America First agenda.

“Oklahoma families need a fighter who’s got their back,” said Keating. “President Trump is leading the way for political outsiders to challenge the failing status quo and the career politicians who aren’t getting the job done. I’m a man of action, not a career politician, and I’ll follow the Trump playbook to keep Oklahoma safe, stand firm in our conservative values, and build a safer, stronger state together.”

As a State Trooper, Keating spent years protecting Oklahomans from drugs and violent crime. He later served as Oklahoma’s Secretary of Public Safety, strengthening law enforcement, improving training, and keeping order in times of crisis. He also spent two decades in the private sector working in Oklahoma’s oil and gas industry and fighting job-killing regulations. Beyond business, he has served his community through leadership roles, including as the chairman of the Salvation Army Central Oklahoma Area Command, a board member of OU Health, the University Hospitals Authority Trust, and served as president of the Children’s Hospital Foundation. Keating is also the founder and president of the Oklahoma State Troopers Foundation.

Chip and his wife, Brittney, have been married for 20 years and they have three children. Keating is a third-generation Oklahoman and the son of former Governor Frank Keating.

Keating will formally launch kickoff events around the state later in October, with details to come in the days ahead. Until then, Oklahomans can visit Keating2026.com to join the campaign.