Few figures in modern Oklahoma politics have followed a path quite like Gentner Drummond. A rancher, attorney, fighter pilot in the Iraq War, and successful businessman, Drummond had built a reputation for independence that defines his tenure as attorney general of Oklahoma and his campaign for gov ernor in 2026. While the republican primary field is crowded with establishment figures and experienced politicians, Drummond has positioned himself as something different: a conservative willing to challenge powerful interests –– even within his own party –– when he believes Oklahoma law or constitutional principles are at stake. Drummond’s story begins with an extraordinary decision. At just age 14 he legally emancipated himself from his family, but not because of some sort of rift or conflict. Rather, the move gave him legal authority to manage his own affairs, to include purchasing and operating a ranch. In a state where ranching carries deep symbolic weight, the story resonates and paints a visual of someone shaped early by responsibility and hard work versus comfort and wealth. This independence carried into his education and career, attending Oklahoma State University and Georgetown University Law School. Along the way, he became a decorated Air Force pilot, serving in Iraq. By age 30, Gentner Drummond had lived a fairly full life.Drummond went on to build a successful law practice, while maintaining his family ranching operation and becoming involved in banking. True to form, the rise to the Oklahoma attorney general’s office did not come easily. In 2018, Drummond ran in the republican primary for Attorney General, but fell short. He spent the next four years building relationships, refining his message and preparing for another run for AG. In 2022, he ran again and won. From the start of his tenure, Drummond signaled his office would operate independently, even if it meant clashing with fellow republicans.Drummond’s reign as attorney general has been marked by confrontations with Governor Kevin Stitt, former State Superintendent Ryan Walters, and a high profile victory in the United States Supreme Court against a powerful lobby and legal team for St. Isidore of Seville Catholic Charter School, which sought to be the nation’s first publicly funded religious charter school, right here in Oklahoma City. With Kevin Stitt leaving office due to term limitations, the road to succeed him seems almost a certainty to lead through the republican primary. Drummond entered the race with important advantages: Statewide name recognition, a strong political network, and a reputation for independence that appeals to many republican voters. “My observation is people are hungry for somebody that’s unafraid to make decisions and be a leader,” said Drummond, in an interview with The Gazette. “I am that person.”But, what would those decisions be? If Drummond succeeds in taking the governor’s race, he will face the many obstacles, such as education, economics, and healthcare, that concern modern Oklahomans. “I’ve come to conclude that we need to think generationally,” said Drummond, regarding his economic aspirations. “What I’d like to see is a focus on the two-year-old, providing quality daycare and daycare subsidies, so that the child can be intellectually fed and ready to learn when they hit grade school.” Drummond believes that the key to Oklahoma’s economic success is supporting the schooling of its future workforce and providing increased opportunities in career and technical education, a belief informed by listening to the concerns of business leaders during his time in the state capitol. There are four promises central to his campaign: education, mental health, healthcare, and workforce development. “Along with that, it’s partnership with the tribes because that’s where we solve those other four. Those are the five issues that I want you to hold me accountable for before you vote for me in the next election.” Drummond’s proven independence and steadfast commitment to the betterment of Oklahoma make him a promising candidate for igniting substantial change across the state.His most prominent rival is likely former Oklahoma House Speaker Charles McCall from Atoka. McCall has been in the game for a while, serving as speaker for eight years, but Oklahoma struggled under his watch, dropping to dead last in education and near last in healthcare. His personal background leaves something to be desired, as his only work experience outside of politics has been working as a Vice President of his Dad’s bank. While he frequently shows up on social media feeds on a tractor or shooting guns, people know his private jet lifestyle is more reflective of his upbringing. Son of former Oklahoma Governor Frank Keating, Chip Keating entered the race somewhat later than others, positioning himself as a political outsider that has never served in public office. Citing himself as a successful businessman, Keating’s best known role was as a Vice President of American Energy Partners and working for former Chesapeake Energy Founder Aubrey McClendon, where his dad served on the board of directors. Keating’s connection to the political establishment is very clear, but it’s hard to position oneself as a political outsider when you grew up in the governor’s mansion. Mike Mazzei seems to have the longest shot, but the former state senator might be able to sneak into the number two slot in a runoff election, particularly if McCall and Keating get too polarized on defeating each other. Mazzei can be described as a policy wonk with longstanding ties to Stitt, but appears challenged to build momentum in spite of committing millions of personal funds to his campaign. The true wild card is not any of these candidates, but rather in whether President Donald Trump tries to play kingmaker during the race. But, for now, appointing former Senator Markwayne Mullin as head of the Department of Homeland Security may have been enough to upset the Oklahoma political bingo card. One thing is certain, whether Drummond or someone else wins the republican primary, they will face Cynthia Munson as the democratic candidate in November. Munson was viewed as the DNC sacrificial lamb early on, but she has worked a spirited effort and has her sights set on making the general election go the full distance. In some respects, Oklahoma politics might be more interesting with a democrat in the governor’s mansion, but the political demographics of our state make Munson an underdog in every respect. Nevertheless, Gentner Drummond is clearly not afraid of a fight. Yet, building coalitions also requires compromise and sometimes restraint, both skills that will be tested if he reaches Oklahoma’s highest office. “If Oklahoma wants to scrape itself off of the bottom of the state pile, it’s going to have to take a leader who is willing to be informed, invest the time, and take the risk to do big things with Oklahomans,” Drummond said. The post Gentner Done appeared first on Oklahoma Gazette. ...read more read less