OKLAHOMA CITY — Oklahoma voters should carve out some time for the upcoming elections — primary, runoff and general — given the number of issues and the large slates of candidates.
And that’s just for one election.
Recently, the Secretary of the State Election Board announced that 611 candidates had filed for state, federal, legislative, or judicial office for the 2026 election cycle.
That means the state hit 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. State Election Board Secretary Paul Ziriax and his staff spent three days registering candidates on the ground floor of the State Capitol building.
“Candidate filing is the official kickoff to the election season, and the 2026 filing period was a big one,” Ziriax said. “Free and fair elections depend on candidates being willing to step up and stand before the voters, and we appreciate everyone who chooses to do so.”
Ziriax also praised his staff for their work. “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.”
With the primary set for June 16, Republican voters will do most of the work, narrowing down their field of candidates. And yes, that field is large.
In the race to replace former U.S. Senator Markwayne Mullin, there are five Republican candidates, five Democratic candidates, two Independents, and one Libertarian, totaling 13 candidates.
In the Tulsa contest to replace U.S. Representative Kevin Kern — who is leaving his House seat to run for the Senate — 12 GOP candidates originally filed, though one later withdrew. On the Democrats’ side, only one candidate filed.
Some statewide races are also crowded. In the Governor’s race, nine Republicans are running, while Democrats and Independents each have three candidates.
In the Lieutenant Governor’s race, six Republicans and one Democrat have filed, making a total of seven candidates in the primary race.
The chairwoman of the state’s Republican Party told media representatives that the large number of candidates was a message to those in office. “I think the people are kind of tired of seeing things not being done,” Charity Lynch said.
Yet candidates won’t be the only thing voters will see on their ballots this year. In addition to choosing who will
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