Oklahoma voters will elect one of two political newcomers attorney general in the Nov. 8 general election. 

The attorney general acts as the state’s chief law enforcement officer and legal advisor. They represent the state in civil and criminal proceedings, issue legal opinions and oversee how state funds are allocated. 

Like the governor and lieutenant governor, the attorney general is limited to two four-year terms in office. Tulsa native Gentner Drummond defeated current attorney general John O’Connor in the June Republican primary election. 

Under O’Connor, the state has filed petitions asking the U.S. Supreme Court to reverse its McGirt v. Oklahoma decision on c. O’Connor successfully sought to resume capital punishment, with the state ending its nearly seven-year execution moratorium last October. 

Compiled through publicly accessible materials, here’s a brief breakdown of the candidates and issues they’re running on: 

The Candidates:

Republican Gentner Drummond, a former F-15 fighter pilot, attorney, rancher and businessman from Tulsa. 

Libertarian Lynda Steele, former Oklahoma National Guard service member from Warr Acres. 

No Democrat filed to run for the position. 

What They’re Running On: 

On his campaign website, Drummond states he will prioritize “fighting against federal overreach” and clearing a backlog of rape kits. In a June debate, he said the state should aim to cooperate with Native American tribes on issues like criminal jurisdiction. 

Criminal justice reform and defending the state’s medical marijuana industry are among Steele’s top priorities. She opposes the state’s recently implemented restrictions on abortion care. 

For More Information: 

Drummond: Campaign Website, Facebook Page

Steele: Campaign Website, Facebook Page

Have any questions or story ideas as we approach election day? You can reach me by email at kross@oklahomawatch.org.

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Oklahoma’s voter registration deadline for the Nov. 8 election is just days away.

You have until 5 p.m. on Friday, October 14 to submit your voter registration application. To check your registration status, visit the OK Voter Portal.

What I’m Reading This Week

Stitt Signs Bill Preventing Gender-Transition Treatments for Minors at OU Medical Facilities: Senate Bill 3xx, which passed during the late September special legislative session, threatens to withhold $108.5 million in American Rescue Plan Act funds, including nearly $40 million for children’s behavioral health, unless the procedures are stopped. [Tulsa World]

Stitt Appoints Shelley Zumwalt as New Tourism and Recreation Director: Zumwalt, formerly director of the Oklahoma Employment Security Commission, will look to lead the agency past immense scrutiny over its now-defunct contracts with Swadley’s. [The Oklahoman]

Oklahoma Sports ‘Biological Sex Affidavit’ Raises Questions: Oklahoma is believed to be the only state to require the affidavit — what critics call a “gender oath” — to play sports. Critics of the law and the affidavit believe such legislation serves the indirect purpose of energizing conservative voters in an election year. [The Associated Press]