Welcome to the unofficial start of campaign season. 

As fall activities like football ramp up post-Labor Day, candidates are working hard to reach undecided voters ahead of the Nov. 8 general election. 

Over the next nine weeks, I plan to highlight one statewide race per week in Democracy Watch. I’ll introduce the candidates, break down the issues they’re running on and compile relevant links to their campaign websites and social media accounts. 

This week I looked into the state treasurer’s race, where three candidates are vying to replace outgoing Republican incumbent Randy McDaniel. 

What the State Treasurer Does

The state treasurer is Oklahoma’s chief financial officer, responsible for disbursing funds and investing unused surplus savings. They do not have the authority to set tax rates or modify the annual state budget, though they are in regular contact with legislative leaders and the governor’s office.

The Candidates 

Democrat Charles de Coune, lending manager for the Oklahoma Water Resources Board. Ran unsuccessfully for state treasurer as an independent in 2018. 

Republican Todd Russ, state representative for House District 55 and is term-limited in 2022. Longtime bank executive who served as president and CEO of Washita State Bank from 2003 to 2008. 

Libertarian Greg Sadler, an account manager for L&M Office Furniture in Oklahoma City. Ran unsuccessfully for State Senate District 17 as a Libertarian in 2020. 

The Issues They Are Running On

de Coune says he would prioritize future investment in public education and small businesses. He also says he would work to improve relations with Native American tribes. 

Russ touts his decades of banking experience as making him the most qualified candidate. In a debate with runoff opponent Clark Jolley last month, Russ defended his record as CEO of Washita Bank, saying he was no longer in charge when federal regulators found “unsafe and unsound” banking practices at the institution in 2009. 

On his campaign website, Sadler says he believes in minimal government spending and heightened transparency. If elected, he says he will prioritize notifying taxpayers of unethical and wasteful government spending. 

For More Information 

de Coune: Facebook page, campaign website, 

Russ: Facebook page, campaign website

Sadler: Twitter profile, campaign website

Have questions or thoughts about a certain race or the election in general? DM me on Twitter or email me at Kross@Oklahomawatch.org.

The Democracy Watch Newsletter is sponsored by:

What I’m Reading

• Stitt’s ‘Rural Wall’ Could Be a Significant Edge This Election: If Stitt retains the rural advantage he had four years ago, Joy Hofmeister, his Democratic opponent this year, would need to make significant gains with urban voters to have a chance. [The Oklahoman]
• In Her Run for Governor, Democrat Joy Hofmeister Vague on her Abortion Stance: Hofmeister has called for the reversal of anti-abortion laws Stitt signed but has yet to tell voters what alternative policies, if any, she would support or how she would go about overturning the state’s ban. [The Frontier]
• Executive Session: Kevin Stitt, Joy Hofmeister to Debate: Oklahoma Republican Gov. Kevin Stitt and Democratic State Superintendent of Public Instruction Joy Hofmeister have agreed to participate in a gubernatorial debate co-hosted by NonDoc and News 9. The debate is scheduled for 5:30 p.m. Oct. 19 at the Will Rogers Theatre in Oklahoma City. [NonDoc]

Support our newsroom

Oklahoma needs high-quality investigative journalism. That is our mission at Oklahoma Watch. We produce stories that hold government and public officials accountable and that make transparent what some prefer to keep secret. We depend on financial support from readers like you to sustain our coverage. Help us make a difference.