Issues and problems that require attention regularly occur in Oklahoma.
Sometimes it’s the weather: EF5s, wildfires, or ice storms. Wildfires and ice storms often spiral out of control.
At other times, problems range from poor and failing infrastructure to health care to poverty.
This year, I believe the issues are different.
After analyzing both the governor’s and legislative agendas, I find the most significant issue facing Oklahoma in 2026 is achieving economic and workforce sustainability— specifically, addressing job creation, controlling costs of living, and strengthening key industries. At the same time, the state must improve public education outcomes.
It’s not that we’re dirt poor. Oklahoma has, records show, experienced record revenues over the past few years. Instead, the issue this year is whether we can deal with a tighter fiscal environment and “unfinished business” before the state elects a new governor, state officials, and members of the Legislature.
And yes, Gov. Stitt is correct; many people are moving to the Sooner State hoping for the positive.
At the same time, there are also concerns about affordability and economic growth. The high cost of living— including property taxes, housing costs, insurance premiums, and utility bills—has become a primary concern for many residents. Specifically, as property values and related taxes rise, older residents often struggle to keep up with these increasing expenses.
Some experts say the state is shifting its focus from rapid growth to managing “taxpayer pressure.” Meanwhile, both experts and lawmakers are trying to fix problems caused by our former school superintendent as well as issues that leader left unaddressed.
Senate and House leaders say they want to focus on improving student outcomes. Their priorities include literacy rates, more instructional days, and reducing “learning loss.” Recent data show Oklahoma lags in key educational metrics.
Of course, there are still health care issues, too. Budget shortfalls in the Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services have led many elected officials to push for agency restructuring. They are also pursuing tighter Medicaid eligibility to 138% of the Federal Poverty Level and introducing work requirements. These moves are causing tension over funding.
Moreover, the state struggles to balance state authority and tribal jurisdiction. This is especially true regarding law enforcement, taxes, and regulation of the medical marijuana industry.
Adding to this complex landscape, the 2026 election cycle began this spring.
Already, the 2026 legislative session is intensely focused on the open governor’s race and major leadership changes, with lawmakers passing bills on a compressed timeline as they position themselves for the June primary. Remember March is almost over, and the legislative session ends the last week in May.
So, what happens? Time will tell. But we do know this: if we understand the issue, then we are already halfway to the solution.
M. Scott Carter is an award-winning political and investigative reporter with more than 45 years of experience covering federal and state government and politics in Oklahoma. He can be reached at scott. carter@swoknews.com.