OKLAHOMA CITY — Republican Gov. Kevin Stitt overcame millions of dollars in dark money, a well-organized opponent and united opposition by the five largest tribal nations in the state to win reelection Nov. 8.
Stitt captured more than 55% of the 1.1 million ballots cast in the election. Hofmeister received 42% of the vote, followed by Libertarian Natalie Bruno and independent Ervin Yen, who both finished below 2%.
Stitt’s campaign echoed his previous one, calling on Oklahoma to become a Top 10 state. Tuesday evening, the governor said he was ready for the next four years. "Oklahomans stated loud and clear today they are proud of how far we have come," he said.
Stitt also sought to tamp down concerns over some of his educational proposals, telling his supporters that his administration would make sure that every child has access to a quality education, regardless of their ZIP code or their financial resources.
“This means protecting our rural schools and unlocking opportunities for families that are stuck in failing districts,” the governor said.
For her part, Hofmeister thanked her supporters and congratulated Stitt on his win.
“A few moments ago, I spoke with Governor Stitt and congratulated him on a second term. I also offered to work with him, in whatever capacity I'm able, for the good of the state we both love,” Hofmeister said in a media statement issued late Tuesday evening. “The disappointment we feel tonight will linger, but hope will resurface in the days ahead. And when it does, I invite you to join me in continuing the work to build the communities we all deserve.”
Leaders of two of the state’s largest tribes said they hoped to have a working and less combative relationship with the state during Stitt’s second term.
“We’ve still got to conduct business, so business is normal,” Muscogee (Creek) Nation Principal Chief David Hill said during an interview with a Tulsa television station. “If there’s differences between the tribe and the state, let’s sit at the table, and I still offer that. That’s the only way we’re gonna get that resolved.”
Cherokee Nation Principal Chief Chuck Hoskin said he hoped the state and tribal nations could work together.
“Over the past several months, Oklahoma tribal leaders have made it clear that we want to have a less adversarial, and more collaborative relationship with our state government,” Hoskin said in a statement. “We hope that now that the election is over, Governor Stitt will take a genuine interest in working with — not against — tribal governments.”
Next year Stitt will return to a legislature that remains firmly in Republican control. Though Oklahoma Democrats picked up an additional seat last week, the GOP is still running the tables. Republicans hold an 81-20 majority in the Oklahoma House of Representatives and a 40-8 majority in the Oklahoma Senate.