2022 Oklahoma elections

A general election was held in the state of Oklahoma on Tuesday, November 8, 2022. The primary election was held on Tuesday, June 28, 2022. Runoff primary elections, where necessary, were held on Tuesday, August 23.[1] The candidate filing period was April 13, 2022 to April 15, 2022.[2]

2022 Oklahoma elections

← 2020 November 8, 2022 2024 →

Oklahoma voters elected both of the state's U.S. Senators (Class II and Class III), the Governor of Oklahoma, the Lieutenant Governor of Oklahoma, the Attorney General of Oklahoma, the Oklahoma State Auditor and Inspector, the Oklahoma State Superintendent of Public Instruction, the Oklahoma State Treasurer, 1 of the 3 Oklahoma Corporation Commissioners, the Oklahoma Commissioner of Labor, the Oklahoma Insurance Commissioner, all of its seats to the House of Representatives, all of the seats of the Oklahoma House of Representatives, 24 of 48 seats in the Oklahoma State Senate, and other local and municipal offices.

Oklahoma had a special election for retiring U.S. Senator Jim Inhofe's Senate seat.

Oklahoma primaries were closed primaries, meaning that only voters registered with a political party could vote in that party's primary. However, state law allowed parties to "open up" their primary and allow independent voters to participate in their primary if they file a notice with the State Election Board Secretary Paul Ziriax. The Democratic Party of Oklahoma filed to allow independent voters to participate in their primaries for 2022 and 2023. The Libertarian Party of Oklahoma filed notice that it would hold closed primaries. The Republican Party of Oklahoma filed no notice, meaning it held closed primaries.[3]

Federal offices

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United States Senate seats

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Parties Seats
2020 2022 +/- Strength
  Republican Party 2 2 0 100%
  Democratic Party 0 0 0 0%

United States House of Representatives

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Parties Seats
2020 2022 +/- Strength
  Republican Party 5 5 0 100%
  Democratic Party 0 0 0 0%

Governor

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Lieutenant governor

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Incumbent lieutenant governor Matt Pinnell won re-election.[4]

 
Results by county:
  Pinnell
  •   50-60%
  •   60-70%
  •   70-80%
  •   80-90%
  •   >90%

General election

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Candidates

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Endorsements

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Melinda Alizadeh-Fard (D)
Organizations
Labor unions

Polling

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Poll source Date(s)
administered
Sample
size[a]
Margin
of error
Matt
Pinnell (R)
Melinda
Alizadeh-Fard (D)
Chris
Powell (L)
Undecided
Amber Integrated (R) September 19–21, 2022 500 (LV) ± 4.4% 49% 34% 5% 12%
–(L)[A] September 15–18, 2022 2,989 (LV) ± 3.2% 46% 24% 13% 16%
SoonerPoll September 2–7, 2022 402 (LV) ± 4.9% 54% 26% 5% 16%

Results

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2022 Oklahoma lieutenant gubernatorial election[11][12]
Party Candidate Votes % ±%
Republican Matt Pinnell (incumbent) 744,003 64.87% +0.84%
Democratic Melinda Alizadeh-Fard 355,763 31.02% −4.95%
Libertarian Chris Powell 47,226 4.12% N/A
Total votes 1,146,992 100%
Turnout 1,146,992 49.96%
Registered electors 2,295,906

Attorney general

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State auditor and inspector

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Since no independent, Democratic, or Libertarian candidate filed for Oklahoma State Auditor and Inspector, there was no general election. Instead, the winner of the Republican primary on June 28 would take office. Incumbent state auditor Cindy Byrd won the Republican primary and her reelection on June 28, defeating primary challenger Steven McQuillen.[13]

Republican primary

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Candidates

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Nominee
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Eliminated in primary
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  • Steven McQuillen, fixed asset accounting manager for Tulsa Public Schools (1998–present) and former auditor and treasurer of the Philippine American Association of North Eastern Oklahoma (2004–2006)[5]

Endorsements

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Cindy Byrd
Statewide officials
Newspapers
Organizations

Polling

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Poll source Date(s)
administered
Sample
size[a]
Margin
of error
Cindy
Byrd
Steven
McQuillen
Undecided
Amber Integrated (R) June 6–9, 2022 400 (LV) ± 4.9% 27% 15% 57%
SoonerPoll April 25 – May 11, 2022 306 (LV) ± 5.6% 26% 13% 62%

Results

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Republican primary results[19]
Party Candidate Votes %
Republican Cindy Byrd (incumbent) 244,433 70.0
Republican Steven McQuillen 104,538 30.0
Total votes 348,971 100.0

State Superintendent

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2022 Oklahoma Superintendent of Public Instruction election
 
← 2018
2026 →
     
Nominee Ryan Walters Jena Nelson
Party Republican Democratic
Popular vote 650,310 495,031
Percentage 56.78% 43.22%

 
County results
Walters:      50–60%      60–70%      70–80%      80–90%
Nelson:      50–60%

State Superintendent before election

Joy Hofmeister
Democratic

Elected State Superintendent

Ryan Walters
Republican

The incumbent Democratic Oklahoma State Superintendent of Public Instruction Joy Hofmeister, who was elected as a Republican, was term limited in 2022.[20] Oklahoma Secretary of Education Ryan Walters won the election.[21]

Republican primary

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Nominee

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Eliminated in runoff

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Eliminated in primary

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  • John Cox, Superintendent of Peggs Public Schools (1999–present)[20]
  • William Crozier, retired veteran and candidate for State Superintendent of Oklahoma in 2006[5]
Declared, but failed to file
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Endorsements

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April Grace
Newspapers
Ryan Walters
U.S senators
Statewide officials
Newspapers
Organizations

Primary polling

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Poll source Date(s)
administered
Sample
size[a]
Margin
of error
William
Crozier
John
Cox
April
Grace
Ryan
Walters
Other Undecided
SoonerPoll June 13–21, 2022 350 (LV) ± 5.2% 4% 17% 14% 10% 55%
Amber Integrated (R) June 6–9, 2022 400 (LV) ± 4.9% 1% 17% 13% 14% 54%
SoonerPoll April 25 – May 11, 2022 306 (LV) ± 5.6% 1% 10% 6% 7% 77%
Amber Integrated (R) March 24–27, 2022 455 (LV) ± 4.6% 11% 6% 7% 77%
Amber Integrated (R) December 15–19, 2021 253 (RV) ± 6.2% 13% 13% 13% 3% 57%
Amber Integrated (R) September 29 – October 3, 2021 253 (RV) ± 6.2% 23% 14% 14% 10% 40%

Debate

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2022 Republican primary debates
No. Date Host Moderator Link Participants
Key:
 P  Participant   A  Absent   N  Non-invitee   I  Invitee  W  Withdrawn
John
Cox
William
Crozier
April
Grace
Ryan
Walters
1 June 22, 2022 Nondoc/New 9/The Frontier Tres Savage & Storme Jones I I I I

Primary results

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Republican primary results[19]
Party Candidate Votes %
Republican Ryan Walters 142,540 41%
Republican April Grace 105,303 31%
Republican John Cox 83,012 24%
Republican William E. Crozier 12,936 4%
Total votes 343,791 100%

Runoff polling

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Poll source Date(s)
administered
Sample
size[a]
Margin
of error
April
Grace
Ryan
Walters
Undecided
SoonerPoll August 11–17, 2022 322 (LV) ± 5.4% 32% 50% 18%
Amber Integrated (R) August 11–15, 2022 684 (LV) ± 3.8% 26% 40% 34%
SoonerPoll July 25 – August 1, 2022 383 (LV) ± 5.0% 34% 48% 18%

Runoff results

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Republican runoff results[32]
Party Candidate Votes %
Republican Ryan Walters 149,147 53.4
Republican April Grace 130,168 46.6
Total votes 279,315 100.0

General election

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Candidates

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Endorsements

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Jena Nelson (D)
Ryan Walters
U.S senators
Statewide officials
Newspapers
Organizations

Polling

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Poll source Date(s)
administered
Sample
size[a]
Margin
of error
Jena
Nelson (D)
Ryan
Walters (R)
Undecided
Ascend Action (R) November 5–6, 2022 682 (LV) ± 3.8% 46% 48% 6%
Amber Integrated (R) October 26–28, 2022 501 (LV) ± 4.4% 48% 44% 8%
Ascend Action (R) October 24–28, 2022 749 (LV) ± 3.6% 41% 42% 17%
Amber Integrated (R) October 13–15, 2022 500 (LV) ± 4.4% 43% 52% 5%
Ascend Action (R) October 10–12, 2022 638 (LV) ± 3.9% 44% 39% 16%
SoonerPoll October 3–6, 2022 301 (LV) ± 5.7% 48% 40% 12%
Amber Integrated (R) September 19–21, 2022 500 (LV) ± 4.4% 49% 44% 7%
–(L)[A] September 15–18, 2022 2,989 (LV) ± 3.2% 45% 40% 16%
SoonerPoll September 7–8, 2022 402 (LV) ± 4.9% 48% 43% 9%

Results

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2022 Oklahoma state superintendent election[11][12]
Party Candidate Votes % ±%
Republican Ryan Walters 650,310 56.78% −1.73%
Democratic Jena Nelson 495,031 43.22% +9.44%
Total votes 1,145,341 100%
Turnout 1,145,341 48.89%
Registered electors 2,295,906

State treasurer

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Corporation Commissioner

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The incumbent Republican Oklahoma Corporation Commissioner Dana Murphy is term limited in 2022.[38] Former State Senate Majority Leader Kim David won the election.[4]

 
Results by county:
  David
  •   50-60%
  •   60-70%
  •   70-80%
  •   80-90%

Republican primary

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Nominee

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Eliminated in runoff

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Eliminated in primary

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  • Justin Hornback, representative for the Pipeliners Union 798[42]
  • Harold Spradling, candidate for Corporate Commissioner in 2018 and 2020[5]

Endorsements

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Kim David (R)
Organizations
Todd Thomsen
Newspapers

Polling

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Poll source Date(s)
administered
Sample
size[a]
Margin
of error
Kim
David
Justin
Hornback
Harold
Spraldling
Todd
Thomsen
Other Undecided
Amber Integrated (R) June 6–9, 2022 400 (LV) ± 4.9% 12% 16% 9% 12% 51%
SoonerPoll April 25 – May 11, 2022 306 (LV) ± 5.6% 10% 8% 2% 5% 76%
Amber Integrated (R) March 24–27, 2022 455 (LV) ± 4.6% 14% 15% 0% 72%

Debate

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2022 Republican primary debates
No. Date Host Moderator Link Participants
Key:
 P  Participant   A  Absent   N  Non-invitee   I  Invitee  W  Withdrawn
Kim
David
Justin
Hornback
Harold
Spradling
Todd
Thomsen
1 June 7, 2022 Nondoc/New 9/The Frontier Tres Savage & Storme Jones Debate 1 P P P P

Primary results

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Republican primary results[19]
Party Candidate Votes %
Republican Kim David 135,710 41.1%
Republican Todd Thomsen 85,886 26.0%
Republican Justin Hornback 67,263 20.4%
Republican Harold Spradling 41,619 12.6%
Total votes 330,478 100%

Runoff polling

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Poll source Date(s)
administered
Sample
size[a]
Margin
of error
Kim
David
Todd
Thomsen
Undecided
Amber Integrated (R) August 11–15, 2022 684 (LV) ± 3.8% 36% 23% 41%

Runoff results

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Republican runoff results[32]
Party Candidate Votes %
Republican Kim David 158,819 59.1
Republican Todd Thomsen 109,816 40.9
Total votes 268,635 100.0

General election

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Candidates

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Endorsements

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Kim David
Organizations
Newspapers
Margaret Warigia Bowman (D)

Polling

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Poll source Date(s)
administered
Sample
size[a]
Margin
of error
Kim
David (R)
Margaret
Bowman (D)
Don
Underwood (I)
Undecided
Amber Integrated (R) September 19–21, 2022 500 (LV) ± 4.4% 48% 30% 9% 12%
SoonerPoll September 2–7, 2022 402 (LV) ± 4.9% 50% 29% 4% 17%

Results

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2022 Oklahoma corporation commissioner election[11][12]
Party Candidate Votes % ±%
Republican Kim David 722,074 63.50% +3.47%
Democratic Margaret Bowman 351,239 30.89% −3.41%
Independent Don Underwood 63,894 5.62% N/A
Total votes 1,137,207 100%
Turnout 1,137,207 49.53%
Registered electors 2,295,906

Commissioner of Labor

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Incumbent Leslie Osborn won re-election.[4]

 
Results by county:
  Osborn
  •   50-60%
  •   60-70%
  •   70-80%
  •   80-90%

Republican primary

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Nominee

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Eliminated in runoff

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Eliminated in primary

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  • Keith Swinton, candidate for Commissioner of Labor in 2018 and project engineer for Ready Services, LLC[5]

Endorsements

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Leslie Osborn
Newspapers
Sean Roberts
Statewide elected officials
Newspapers
Organizations
  • Oklahoma Second Amendment Association[31]
  • Oklahomans for Health and Parental Rights[17]

Polling

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Poll source Date(s)
administered
Sample
size[a]
Margin
of error
Leslie
Osborn
Sean
Roberts
Keith
Swinton
Undecided
Amber Integrated (R) June 6–9, 2022 400 (LV) ± 4.9% 25% 19% 5% 52%

Results

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Republican primary results[19]
Party Candidate Votes %
Republican Leslie Osborn 160,753 47.8
Republican Sean Roberts 128,669 38.3
Republican Keith Swinton 46,758 13.9
Total votes 336,180 100.0

Runoff polling

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Poll source Date(s)
administered
Sample
size[a]
Margin
of error
Leslie
Osborn
Sean
Roberts
Undecided
Amber Integrated (R) August 11–15, 2022 684 (LV) ± 3.8% 42% 21% 36%

Runoff results

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Republican runoff results[32]
Party Candidate Votes %
Republican Leslie Osborn 143,937 53.0
Republican Sean Roberts 127,585 47.0
Total votes 271,522 100.0

General election

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Candidates

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Endorsements

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Polling

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Poll source Date(s)
administered
Sample
size[a]
Margin
of error
Leslie
Osborn (R)
Jack
Henderson (D)
Will
Daugherty (L)
Undecided
Amber Integrated (R) September 19–21, 2022 500 (LV) ± 4.4% 52% 32% 5% 12%
SoonerPoll September 2–7, 2022 402 (LV) ± 4.9% 56% 27% 2% 15%

Results

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2022 Oklahoma commission of labor election[11][12]
Party Candidate Votes % ±%
Republican Leslie Osborn 747,037 65.66% +3.93%
Democratic Jack Henderson 333,741 29.33% −4.14%
Libertarian Will Daugherty 57,006 5.01% N/A
Total votes 1,137,784 100%
Turnout 1,137,784 49.56%
Registered electors 2,295,906

Insurance Commissioner

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Only one candidate filed for Oklahoma Insurance Commissioner, incumbent Glen Mulready. There was no election for this office in 2022, and Mulready was re-elected without opposition.[5]

State legislature

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All 101 seats of the Oklahoma House of Representatives and 24 of 48 seats of the Oklahoma State Senate were up for election.

State senate

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Parties Seats
2020 2022 +/- Strength
  Republican Party 39 40 +1 83%
  Democratic Party 9 8 -1 17%

House of Representatives

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Parties Seats
2020 2022 +/- Strength
  Republican Party 81 80 -1 79%
  Democratic Party 20 21 +1 21%

Local elections

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Notes

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  1. ^ a b This poll was conducted in-house by and for Natalie Bruno's gubernatorial campaign
  1. ^ a b c d e f g h i j k Key:
    A – all adults
    RV – registered voters
    LV – likely voters
    V – unclear

References

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  1. ^ "2022 Oklahoma Elections-Voter Information Calendar" (PDF). oklahoma.gov. Oklahoma State Election Board. Retrieved July 18, 2021.
  2. ^ "2022 Statutory Election Dates and Deadlines" (PDF). oklahoma.gov. Oklahoma State Election Board. Retrieved October 13, 2021.
  3. ^ "Independents again may vote in Oklahoma Democratic primary". Tulsa World. AP. December 4, 2021. Archived from the original on December 5, 2021. Retrieved December 5, 2021.
  4. ^ a b c Overall, Michael (November 8, 2022). "Pinnell leads GOP wave on down-ballot races". Tulsa World. Retrieved November 9, 2022.
  5. ^ a b c d e f g h i j Prather, Megan (April 16, 2022). "Crowded fields for most statewide offices in Oklahoma". NonDoc. Archived from the original on April 16, 2022. Retrieved April 16, 2022.
  6. ^ a b "CANDIDATES FOR ELECTIVE OFFICE 2022" (PDF). oklahoma.gov. Oklahoma State Election Board. Archived from the original (PDF) on May 23, 2022. Retrieved April 16, 2022.
  7. ^ "NRA Political Victory Fund: Oklahoma". www.nrapvf.org. NRA Political Victory Fund. Archived from the original on October 22, 2022. Retrieved October 22, 2022.
  8. ^ "Endorsement: Matt Pinnell deserving of a second term as lieutenant governor". Tulsa World. October 14, 2022. Archived from the original on November 6, 2022. Retrieved October 22, 2022.
  9. ^ "PPGPV is proud to endorse the following candidates for the 2022 elections in Oklahoma". plannedparenthoodaction.org. Planned Parenthood. Archived from the original on November 9, 2022. Retrieved October 22, 2022.
  10. ^ a b c d "Oklahoma Endorsed Candidates 2022". cwad6.org. Communications Workers of America. Archived from the original on November 28, 2022. Retrieved October 22, 2022.
  11. ^ a b c d "November 8 2022 Oklahoma Unofficial results". results.okelections.us. Oklahoma State Election Board. Retrieved November 9, 2022.
  12. ^ a b c d "Current Registration Statistics by County" (PDF). oklahoma.gov. November 1, 2022. Retrieved December 9, 2022.
  13. ^ a b Felder, Ben (June 30, 2022). "Oklahoma state Auditor Cindy Byrd soars to reelection despite dark-money political attacks". Tulsa World. Retrieved July 5, 2022.
  14. ^ a b c d e "Editorial: Tulsa Beacon endorsements". Tulsa Beacon. June 16, 2022. Retrieved June 26, 2022.
  15. ^ "Endorsement: Cindy Byrd proven strong state auditor and inspector". Tulsa World. June 3, 2022. Retrieved June 20, 2022.
  16. ^ Krehbiel, Randy (June 5, 2022). "Political notebook: Markwayne Mullin says Second Amendment "purity" takes priority in gun violence discussions". Tulsa World. Retrieved June 6, 2022.
  17. ^ a b c d "2022 OKHPR-PAC Primary Race Endorsements". OKHPR. June 4, 2022. Retrieved June 5, 2022.
  18. ^ Faught, Jamison (June 27, 2022). "Tulsa County GOP endorses Byrd for Auditor; OK County GOP Chair calls for opponent to drop out". Muskogee Politico. Retrieved June 28, 2022.
  19. ^ a b c d "June 28 2022". okelections.us. Oklahoma State Election Board. Retrieved June 29, 2022.
  20. ^ a b Prather, Megan (July 6, 2021). "April Grace, John Cox are early candidates for state superintendent of public instruction". NonDoc. Retrieved July 18, 2021.
  21. ^ Eger, Andrea (November 8, 2022). "Ryan Walters wins high-profile race for state superintendent". Tulsa World. Retrieved November 9, 2022.
  22. ^ DenHoed, Andrea (July 18, 2021). "Ryan Walters announces run for state superintendent of public instruction". NonDoc. Retrieved July 18, 2021.
  23. ^ Martinez-Keel, Nuria (August 23, 2022). "Ryan Walters wins GOP nomination for Oklahoma state schools superintendent over April Grace". The Oklahoman. Retrieved October 23, 2022.
  24. ^ McCarville, Mike (July 7, 2021). "Grace Announces Candidacy for State Superintendent". The McCarville Report. Retrieved July 18, 2021.
  25. ^ "Walters, Grace Projected For State Superintendent Runoff Election". KOTV-DT. June 28, 2022. Retrieved June 29, 2022.
  26. ^ Andrea, Eger (April 7, 2022). "Field for next state superintendent widens to 5 as TPS board member files campaign". Tulsa World. Retrieved April 7, 2022.
  27. ^ "Editorial: Endorsement: April Grace the best choice for GOP state superintendent nomination". Tulsa World. June 22, 2022. Retrieved June 23, 2022.
  28. ^ a b Faught, Jamison (June 10, 2022). "Ted Cruz endorses Ryan Walters for State Superintendent". Muskogee Politico. Retrieved June 11, 2022. "I'm proud to endorse Ryan Walters for Oklahoma State Superintendent. Ryan is a tireless advocate for students and he will fight for school choice and to keep CRT out of the classroom.
  29. ^ a b Gorman, Reese; Adcock, Clifton (March 25, 2022). "Records show State Superintendent candidate failed to report campaign expenses". The Frontier. Retrieved March 25, 2022.
  30. ^ a b Faught, Jamison (June 14, 2022). "AFP-OK endorses Walters for State Superintendent". Muskogee Politico. Retrieved June 17, 2022.
  31. ^ a b c "OK2A Endorsements for Mid-Term Elections-June 2022". Oklahoma 2nd Amendment Association. May 31, 2022. Retrieved June 5, 2022.
  32. ^ a b c "August 23 2022". okelections.us. Oklahoma State Election Board. Retrieved October 1, 2022.
  33. ^ Martinez-Keel, Nuria (March 17, 2022). "Former Teacher of the Year is first Democrat to enter campaign for state superintendent". The Oklahoman. Retrieved March 19, 2022.
  34. ^ "Oklahoma Election Results: Ryan Walters wins race for state superintendent". KOCO. November 8, 2022. Retrieved November 9, 2022.
  35. ^ "Endorsement: Jena Nelson for Oklahoma State Superintendent". The Black Wall Street Times. October 31, 2022. Retrieved October 31, 2022.
  36. ^ "4 Republicans, 2 Democrats, 1 judge". Clinton Daily News. November 5, 2022. Retrieved November 7, 2022.
  37. ^ "Endorsement: Jena Nelson has best ideas, attitude and ability to lead public schools into next era as state superintendent". Tulsa World. October 22, 2022. Retrieved October 22, 2022.
  38. ^ Krehbiel, Randy (July 18, 2021). "Political notebook: Lawmakers push Gov. Stitt to bar COVID-19 shot requirement for health care employees". Tulsa World. Retrieved July 18, 2021.
  39. ^ a b DenHoed, Andrea (August 23, 2022). "Leslie Osborn, Todd Russ, Kim David advance in statewide primary runoffs". Nondoc. Retrieved October 23, 2022.
  40. ^ Savage, Tres (April 7, 2022). "Joel Kintsel to challenge Kevin Stitt in GOP primary". NonDoc. Retrieved April 7, 2022.
  41. ^ a b Brinkman, Bennett (June 29, 2022). "Treasurer, labor and corporation commissioner elections head to GOP runoffs". Nondoc. Retrieved October 23, 2022.
  42. ^ Patterson, Matt (June 8, 2022). "In debate, Corporation Commission candidates agree state could lose regulatory jurisdiction". NonDoc. Retrieved June 8, 2022.
  43. ^ a b Krehbiel, Randy (March 20, 2022). "Political notebook: Oklahoma Democrats have their Horns out in U.S. Senate races". Tulsa World. Retrieved March 20, 2022.
  44. ^ Krehbiel, Randy (April 14, 2021). "Candidates file for Oklahoma offices including governor, congressman, attorney general". Tulsa World. Retrieved April 16, 2022.
  45. ^ "Endorsement: Kim David, Todd Russ experienced lawmakers good fit for statewide office". Tulsa World. October 24, 2022. Retrieved October 26, 2022.
  46. ^ "Endorsement: Leslie Osborn deserving of Republican nomination for labor commissioner". Tulsa World. June 24, 2022. Retrieved June 26, 2022.
  47. ^ Faught, Jamison (June 1, 2022). "Gov. Stitt endorses Sean Roberts for Labor Commissioner". Muskogee Politico. Retrieved June 2, 2022.
  48. ^ "Endorsement: Supporting Leslie Osborn for labor commissioner, Gentner Drummond for AG". Tulsa World. October 18, 2022. Retrieved October 22, 2022.