Mazzei reports over half million raised for gubernatorial campaign

Mike Mazzei for Governor Campaign Reports Strong First Quarter Momentum

Tulsa, OK (August 1st) – Conservative Republican candidate and former State Senator Mike Mazzei announced today the successful completion of his campaign’s first fundraising quarter, reporting over half a million dollars raised.

“Our campaign is about bringing real conservative leadership back to the Governor’s office,” said Mazzei. “I’m grateful for the broad coalition of conservative patriots stepping up to support our message and help us take on the bloated bureaucracy that’s holding Oklahoma back.”

Echols announces $900k raised for Attorney General campaign

Attorney General candidate Jon Echols is touting his hefty campaign warchest (a former 6-term state representative, that figure includes just over $160,000 transferred from his old State House campaign account). The only other Republican candidate so far is Jeff Starling.

Ironically, I did notice in his 1st Quarter ethics report that Echols misstates his own occupation and employer, information which campaigns are required to record from donors. Echols' personal contributions to his campaign list "Representative" and "Oklahoma House of Representatives" as his occupation and employer, even though Echols termed out as a state legislator in November of last year. Probably something a prospective Attorney General should pay attention to and correct...

Echols Campaign Passes 900k Raised in Race for Attorney General

Oklahoma City, OK (July 7th) - Today, the campaign for Oklahoma Attorney General candidate Jon Echols announced that it has surpassed $900,000 raised.

ICYMI: Who is the real Gentner Drummond?

As the 2026 gubernatorial campaign heats up, I thought I would bring back an old post with some background on current Attorney General Gentner Drummond, one of the leading candidates for governor (probably in the front of the pack due to name recognition and his campaign's deep pockets).

Who is the real Gentner Drummond? Fellow 2026 gubernatorial candidate Charles McCall has been pointing out Drummond's past record, such as contributions to the state legislator who is now the Oklahoma Democratic Party's new state chair. 

You may be startled to discover Drummond's past proclivity in donating to Democratic candidates, including Democrats who ran against U.S. Sen. Tom Coburn, U.S. Sen. Jim Inhofe, U.S. Rep. Jim Bridenstine, and don't forget that infamous $1,000 donation to Joe Biden in 2020 in his name that he claims was from his wife during a marital spat. 

I just rediscovered this, but in the height of irony, in his first [failed] campaign for AG in 2018, Drummond accused Mike Hunter of supporting Harry Reid and Nancy Pelosi (a group Hunter worked for had donated to the aforementioned Democrats, but not Hunter himself). Egg on face, much?

I originally published the following on May 27th, 2022, during the last race for Attorney General between Drummond and then-incumbent John O'Connor (an interim placeholder):

Oklahoma Supreme Court applicants include Democratic donors

Oklahoma Supreme Court applicants include Democratic donors

By Ray Carter | January 17th, 2025

In the November 2024 general election, Oklahoma voters chose to oust Oklahoma Supreme Court Justice Yvonne Kauger with a majority opposing her retention.

That opened a spot on the court. Three nominees will soon be selected by the secretive Judicial Nominating Commission (JNC) and forwarded to Gov. Kevin Stitt, who will be limited to choosing only one of those three candidates to serve on the Oklahoma Supreme Court under the state’s current judicial-appointment system.

While the vote to oust Kauger, who was first appointed by a Democratic governor, may represent voters wanting a Republican governor to have the chance to make a court appointment, records indicate that at least five of the 14 individuals who have applied with the Judicial Nominating Commission have previously contributed to the political campaigns of Democratic candidates or to or to a political action committee that funded Democrats.

Campaign Finance and Election Threats task force releases recommendations for reform

Governor Stitt Announces Recommendations from Task Force on Campaign Finance and Election Threats

OKLAHOMA CITY (April 3, 2024) - Today, Governor Stitt announced the recommendations from his Task Force on Campaign Finance and Election Threats. The Task Force studied Oklahoma's ethics regulations and election administration, gathering data, reviewing case law, and conducting interviews to determine what changes are necessary to ensure the state's elections are secure.

Stitt: did Hofmeister use scandal-ridden Epic Charter School donors to repay her personal campaign loans?

This release from the Stitt campaign came directly after the gubernatorial debate Wednesday night:

State Sup Hofmeister trading Epic donations for??

Oklahoma City, October 19th   |  Governor Kevin Stitt tonight questioned State Superintendent Joy Hofmeister why she has not given back more than $50,000 in donations from Epic Charter School administrators to her campaigns.

The reason is clear. From 2016-2018, State Superintendent Joy Hofmeister was taking donations from Epic Charter Schools to pay down her debt simultaneously while Superintendent Hofmeister was considering an application by Epic Charter’s administrators to expand their operations in Oklahoma.

More left-wing, anti-Trump donors funding Frix for Congress

I posted on Thursday that an anti-Trump, pro-Clinton/Biden labor union is backing GOP candidate Frix in the 2nd Congressional district runoff election. 

As I dug into Frix's campaign donations, I discovered that this was not an isolated occurrance. 

Voters should ask: why is it that anti-Trump, pro-Clinton/pro-Biden donors are pointedly choosing Frix in the GOP runoff?

Anti-Trump, pro-Clinton/Biden labor union backs Frix

UPDATE: More left-wing, anti-Trump donors funding Frix for Congress

On Wednesday, 2nd District GOP runoff candidate Avery Frix accepted a $5,000 maximum contribution from the UA Union Plumbers & Pipefitters Vote! Political Action Committee, an anti-Trump, pro-Obama, pro-Clinton, pro-Biden labor union with deep pockets for liberal candidates.

This PAC is a huge supporter of left-wing candidates, with 91%+ of their tens of millions of dollars in donations going to Democrats, and the remainder generally going to the most moderate Republicans in office.

O'Connor reminds voters: Drummond worked to defeat Dr. Tom Coburn

Gentner Drummond Worked To Defeat Dr. Tom Coburn

Tulsa, OK (June 13th) – Before he donated $1,000 to elect Joe Biden to the White House, Gentner Drummond gave $1,000 to defeat Dr. Tom Coburn. 

O'Connor releases new ad reminding voters of Drummond's Biden donation

John O’Connor For Attorney General Releases Digital Ad Reminding Oklahomans That Gentner Drummond Donated To Joe Biden

Tulsa, OK (June 7th) – Today, conservative Attorney General John O’Connor released a digital ad that will remind Oklahomans that Gentner Drummond donated $1,000 to elect Joe Biden. 

Details on Drummond's Donations to Democrats

In the race for Attorney General, the most well-funded Republican candidate, who has the most name recognition, the most TV ads, the most outside "dark money" groups helping him, and who leads in the polls, happens to be a longtime donor to Democratic candidates. In this article, you will meet and learn about Gentner Drummond, wannabe Attorney General. You will also hear from some other Republican candidates for office on their record of donating to Democrats. Read on.

OKGOP Chair again calls on redistricting petition head to release donors, expenses

REPUBLICAN PARTY CHAIRMAN AGAIN CALLS FOR REDISTRICTING PETITIONS HEAD TO RELEASE DONORS, EXPENSES

OKLAHOMA CITY, OK, September 1, 2020 – In light of a third initiative petition filed by a political advocacy group aimed at disrupting Oklahoma’s redistricting process, the chairman of the Oklahoma Republican Party said today that Andy Moore, leader of People Not Politicians (PNP), must immediately release the organization’s donors and expenses.

“This is the political story that keeps on giving,” said David McLain. “The latest PNP filing is nothing more than a political scheme to buy Mr. Moore’s left-wing, out-of-state donors more time to push their disingenuous petition on Oklahoma voters. Their plan is to increase the size of the state legislature for the 2025 and 2026 sessions, and draw legislative lines on a proportional basis, leading to many counties and cities across the state being disenfranchised. This would be true political gerrymandering.”

“Other states, Oregon for example, are using the exact name as Mr. Moore’s group which confirms my belief that his effort is a component of a national plan to advance a liberal political agenda across the United States. It is why, for the third time this summer, I call on Mr. Moore to release all donors and expenses related to his three redistricting petitions dating to October 2018. His organization has funded salaries, hired attorneys and a public relations firm, produced videos, and engaged in other campaign expenses that have never been disclosed.”

CD5 Runoff: Bice outraises Neese for 7th straight reporting period

Stephanie Bice outraises Terry Neese again… for 7th straight reporting period

 OKLAHOMA CITY (August 18, 2020) - Stephanie Bice, conservative Republican candidate for Congress in Oklahoma’s 5th Congressional District, again outraised Terry Neese in the most recent fundraising period.

This is the seventh consecutive fundraising period that Bice has bested Neese in dollars raised and Bice has outraised Neese in every filing period since becoming a candidate.

Hill announces $500k in campaign donations

David Hill for Congress Tops Half Million in Donations

OKLAHOMA CITY — Republican candidate David Hill announced today that his campaign has surpassed the $500,000 threshold of contributions to his campaign for Congress. Hill, running to unseat Nancy Pelosi-supporter Kendra Horn, is a conservative businessman who has never held political office.

"Our campaign continues to gain momentum," Hill stated. "I am spending all day, every day, speaking with conservatives who are fed-up with politics as usual, who want to send more people from the business world to support President Trump," Hill continued. "I am excited our donors reflect the 5th district, not the political elite. Together, we will give this seat back to the people and take it away from career politicians."

Drama: Walkingstick thrown out by Cherokee Nation Election Commission

Drama continues to build in the wild Cherokee Principle Chief election:

DAVID WALKINGSTICK STATEMENT FOLLOWING ELECTION COMMISSION DECISION TO DISQUALIFY CANDIDACY

Friday evening, the Cherokee Nation Election Commission voted to disqualify David Walkingstick as a candidate for Principal Chief of the Cherokee Nation as a result of a complaint filed by an employee of the Chuck Hoskin Jr. campaign. The complaint alleged that the actions of an independent expenditure supporting David Walkingstick were a violation of Cherokee Nation election law. Following their decision, the Walkingstick campaign released the following statement:

"Although we are proud Cherokee citizens, we are also United States citizens with a guaranteed right to free speech protected by the U.S. Constitution. The Cherokee Nation Election Commission's ruling to remove David Walkingstick shows either a total disregard or misunderstanding of what our First Amendment protects.

The United States Supreme Court ruled in Citizens United v. FEC that U.S. citizens cannot be denied the right to raise and spend money to influence an election for a candidate. The Election Commission's disqualification of Walkingstick from the Principal Chief election is in direct conflict with this ruling that remains the law of the land. The Walkingstick campaign did not coordinate with or accept contributions from Cherokees for Change LLC, and the Election Commission has no legal right to remove a candidate from the ballot as the result of another United States citizen exercising their First Amendment right to free speech.

We fully intend to take the necessary steps to right this egregious wrong and ensure that our Cherokee citizens’ right to vote is protected on June 1st and beyond."

Stitt surpasses $1M raised during runoff

KEVIN STITT FOR GOVERNOR SURPASSES $1 MILLION RAISED IN REPUBLICAN PRIMARY RUNOFF

TULSA, Oklahoma (August 13, 2018) – The Kevin Stitt for Governor campaign today announced it has raised more than $1 million in individual donations in the Republican primary runoff, with more than a quarter of the support flooding in over the past few days.

“I am honored by the strong outpouring of support from Oklahomans across the state who are ready for us to be Top Ten and know only a conservative outsider can lead us there,” said Kevin Stitt. “Over the course of this campaign, we have held more than 100 town hall meetings, listening to Oklahomans and building a platform to deliver transparency and accountability to state government. It is time we apply business practices that enforce efficiency, root out waste, and responsibly deliver core services such as education and infrastructure.”

To date, the campaign has raised more than $3 million from more than 2,000 contributors. As a personal commitment to work hand-in-hand with Oklahomans, Kevin Stitt matches donations and has contributed more than $3 million to the campaign.

Pinnell calls for Murphy to resign over conflicts of interest

PINNELL CALLS FOR CORPORATION COMMISSIONER DANA MURPHY TO RESIGN

Commissioner Murphy Hurting Ratepayers and Courting Influence While Running for Lt. Governor

Tulsa, Oklahoma (July 19, 2018) – Lieutenant Governor candidate Matt Pinnell called today for his fellow contender, Oklahoma Corporation Commissioner Dana Murphy, to resign from her position with the Commission. The request came amid the Corporation's ongoing consideration of the Wind Catcher Energy Project—one of the largest cases in history—and her continuation of accepting donations from individuals and corporations she is constitutionally bound to regulate. Commissioner Murphy is gathering donations from individuals on both sides of the Windcatcher case and slow-playing a ruling as a way to raise money using her influence as a Corporation Commissioner.

"Commissioner Murphy can’t have it both ways: you can’t raise money from the very people you are regulating while at the same time running for a different office. This is what voters loathe. We’re tired of the same politicians answering to the same special interests. I’m asking Commissioner Murphy to do the right thing, resign to run for this office if she truly wants to be Lt. Governor,” Pinnell said.

Last quarter, over 84 percent of Commissioner Murphy’s campaign donations were from individuals and industries she regulates, and even more concerning, she has taken money from those directly involved in the current Wind Catcher proceedings.

“Commissioner Murphy is using her current government role to enhance her self-interest and fill-up the coffers of her campaign account while at the same time delaying a ruling in a consequential Corporation Commission case because she just simply doesn’t like the political optics that would result in picking a side,” said Pinnell.

Dana Murphy has collected more than $500,000 from industry sources to fuel her campaign for Lieutenant Governor, while at the same time sitting on the Corporation Commission regulating those same interests.

"I, as an Oklahoman, call for Commissioner Murphy to step down, effective immediately and let’s have a discussion on her plans as Lt. Governor. I ask that she quit playing politics and wasting taxpayer money holding a government job she is currently not fulfilling.”

Lamb raises $1.08M in 2Q, sets GOP gubernatorial fundraising record

Oklahomans for Lamb Sets Fundraising Record

Over $1.081 Million Raised During Second Quarter Reporting Period

OKLAHOMA CITY, OK, July 5, 2017 – Oklahomans for Lamb announced today it raised over $1.081 million during the April 1 – June 30 second quarter campaign reporting period in support of Todd Lamb’s 2018 gubernatorial campaign.  The total is a record for a Republican gubernatorial candidate during a campaign reporting period. The report includes donations from Oklahomans across the state. Lamb raised over $250,000 in April, over $305,000 in May, and culminated the reporting period by raising over $520,000 in June. Lamb’s campaign began the election cycle with over $1 million, and now has over $1.9 million on hand.            

Lamb said, “I am extremely pleased with our fundraising effort during the second quarter, and look forward to a strong third quarter as well.  Next year’s campaign for governor will be very expensive, especially with several candidates on both sides of the political aisle in the race.  To thoroughly inform our citizens of my plan to renew Oklahoma, fundraising is a necessary component, as is a strong and dedicated grassroots organization which I am proud to say is growing daily.  I am humbled by the support I have received and sincerely thank every Oklahoman who has donated financially or volunteered to assist my campaign to this point. I will continue to meet and speak with as many voters as possible during the remainder of the campaign.”

Keith Beall, Oklahomans for Lamb campaign manager commented, “I have been involved in and observed numerous statewide political campaigns over the past 25 years, and this fundraising effort is certainly the most ever by a Republican gubernatorial candidate within a campaign reporting period. Perhaps most telling is our strongest month was June which is after all other candidates entered the primary.  It is just one validation that citizens from across Oklahoma strongly support Todd Lamb’s candidacy and his vision for Oklahoma’s future.”

Oklahomans interested in contributing or volunteering to Oklahomans for Lamb may visit VoteToddLamb.com, telephone the campaign headquarters at 405.252.4289 or email at info@VoteToddLamb.com.

Pruitt begins winding down fundraising committees

In advance of his upcoming EPA confirmation hearings, Oklahoma Attorney General Scott Pruitt has begun to wind down his campaign committee and related super PACs.

Before Trump picked him to take over the Environmental Protection Agency, Pruitt had three political committees raising and spending funds: his 2014 reelection committee, Liberty 2.0 (a super PAC), and Oklahoma Strong Leadership PAC. The PACs had been formed to support Pruitt's future political endeavors, widely thought to have been a 2018 gubernatorial run.

In 2016 (through September 30th), his reelection committee raised about $10,000, and spent over $30,000, ending with about $25,000 in the bank. Through November 28th, Liberty 2.0 raised $450,000, spent around $300,000, and still had about $146,000 on hand. Through November 28th, Oklahoma Strong Leadership PAC raised $391,000, spent $333,000, and had $57,000 on hand.

All told, Pruitt's committees raised over $850,000 in 2016, spent around $667,000, and still have about $230,000 left.

Pruitt came under some scrutiny over the committees' expenditures earlier this year, with hundreds of thousands of dollars being spent on consultants and travel, with relatively little of the PAC funds being given to candidates. Liberty 2.0 made zero expenditures on behalf of candidates, while Oklahoma Strong Leadership PAC gave $22,000 to Oklahoma candidates and Republican groups, and $7,330 to out-of-state candidates -- just 7.5% of what the PAC raised, and 3.5% of the combined PAC/super-PAC fundraising. In comparison, U.S. Sen. Jim Inhofe's leadership PAC gave roughly 60% to other candidates.

From the Oklahoman:

Two federal political action committees formed to support Oklahoma Attorney General Scott Pruitt and conservative causes will shutter operations this month ahead of his planned Senate confirmation hearings for administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency.

Charlie Spies, an attorney for Pruitt's leadership PAC, Oklahoma Strong, and an independent super PAC, Liberty 2.0, said the two groups are in the process of filing termination reports with the Federal Election Commission.

"The leadership of both groups are working on a plan for shutting them both down and disbursing remaining funds," Spies told The Oklahoman on Friday. "We would like to have them formally shut down before his hearings so political opponents can't use their existence as an excuse to attack him."

Read more here.

State Rep. Calvey calls for Hofmeister resignation

 Conservative Lawmaker Calls for Hofmeister Resignation

OKLAHOMA CITY – Conservative lawmaker Kevin Calvey, R-Oklahoma City, today called upon State Superintendent of Public Instruction Joy Hofmeister, R-Tulsa, to resign in the wake of felony charges against her.

“Joy Hofmeister’s own words make it clear that it is best for the children of Oklahoma that she resign,” said Calvey, referring to emails referenced in the indictment filed by District Attorney David Prater, D-Oklahoma City, against Hofmeister and representatives of the Cooperative Council for Oklahoma School Administration (CCOSA) school administrators’ lobby and the Oklahoma Education Association (OEA) teachers’ union, among others.  “This isn’t a case of ‘he said, she said.’  Ms. Hofmeister admits in her own emails that she and CCOSA officials planned the massive illegal dark money negative campaign against her GOP primary opponent in advance, and that this dark money campaign would allow Ms. Hofmeister to focus solely on touting her own background rather than engaging her opponent.”

Calvey noted that his call for Hofmeister’s resignation should not be confused with the criminal case against her.

“Ms. Hofmeister is certainly entitled to the presumption of innocence in the criminal case against her,” Calvey said.  “It is a firm principle of the American justice system that felony defendants be presumed innocent of the criminal charges against them.  But surely the standard for holding public office is higher than merely avoiding prison.  Even if she is acquitted of the criminal charges, the indisputable evidence clearly shows Ms. Hofmeister, CCOSA, and OEA conspired to violate campaign laws to get her elected.  The citizens of Oklahoma and the children Ms. Hofmeister was elected to serve deserve better.”

Calvey questioned whether legislators would trust Hofmeister to lead the state’s largest agency with the cloud of criminal charges looming.

“If I were a trustee over a person’s funds, and discovered that the person’s CPA had obtained his license by overstating his credentials, wouldn’t I have an obligation to obtain a new CPA, regardless of whether that CPA had committed actual fraud or not?  We legislators are in a position similar to that of a trustee over the citizens’ hard-earned tax dollars.  Don’t we have an obligation to seek a new leader for the State Department of Education under these circumstances?”