Candidate filing for 2026 statewide, legislative, and judicial offices concluded yesterday, and boy were there some surprises.
First up, the official press release from the Oklahoma State Election Board, then a quick recap on the filing news:
Statement from Paul Ziriax, Secretary of the State Election Board RE: 2026 Candidate Filing
Oklahoma City, April 3rd — The 2026 Candidate Filing Period closed today – April 3, 2026 – at 5:00 p.m. The Secretary of the State Election Board announced that a total of 611 candidates filed for state, federal, legislative, or judicial office, making the 2026 Candidate Filing Period the second largest candidate filing period in the past 25 years. The largest occurred in 2018 when a total of 794 candidates filed for office.
“Candidate filing is the official kickoff to the election season, and the 2026 filing period was a big one. Free and fair elections depend on candidates being willing to step up and stand before the voters, and we appreciate everyone who chose to do so,” State Election Board Secretary Paul Ziriax said today. “I personally want to thank the State Election Board staff for their hard work and dedication to democracy. Oklahomans can be proud of these amazing public servants.”
The candidate filing list can be found on the State Election Board website.
The biggest surprise of the filing period has to be term-limited State Auditor Cindy Byrd switching from the race for Lieutenant Governor to run against incumbent State Treasurer Todd Russ. I can only assume this was triggered by President Trump's endorsement of former House Speaker T.W. Shannon for Lieutenant Governor a few weeks ago.
In the race to fill the U.S. Senate seat left open by now-DHS Secretary Markwayne Mullin, U.S. Rep. Kevin Hern will be opposed by 3 Republican, 5 Democrats (including former RINO State Sen. Ervin Yen), 2 Independents, and 1 Libertarian.
12 Republicans and 1 Democrat are running for Hern's 1st Congressional District seat. Congressmen Brecheen (2nd District), Lucas (3rd District), and Cole (4th District) each drew one GOP primary challenger and 2 Democrats, with Brecheen and Cole also getting an Independent. In the 5th District, Bice drew 2 Democrats and 2 Independents.
In the gubernatorial race, there are 9 Republicans, 3 Democrats (House Minority Leader Cyndi Munson and multi-time statewide candidate Connie Johnson... this might get interesting by virtue of her name recognition), and 3 Independents.
Current Deputy State Auditor Melissa Capps won the State Auditor race by default, as no other candidate filed.
7 Republicans are running for State Superintendent of Public Instruction, including the legendary Bill Crozier (more on him later, haha...). 4 Republicans each filed for Labor Commissioner and Insurance Commissioner.
7 state senators drew no opposition: one Republican, and six Democrats re-elected without a race.
26 state representatives drew no opposition: eighteen Republicans and eight Democrats re-elected without a race.
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