Oklahoma Lt. Gov. Matt Pinnell Declines to Run for Governor

Pinnell says he and his wife are 'ready for a new chapter outside of politics'

Published on Mar. 9, 2026

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Oklahoma Lt. Gov. Matt Pinnell announced that he will not run for governor when Gov. Kevin Stitt's last term ends later this year. Pinnell has served as Stitt's lieutenant governor since 2018, but said he and his wife are 'ready for a new chapter outside of politics' and will not be a candidate for any elected public office in 2026.

Why it matters

Pinnell's decision not to run for governor opens up the 2026 Oklahoma gubernatorial race, with several Republican and Democratic candidates already in the midst of their campaigns. Pinnell's announcement comes amid other changes in Oklahoma's congressional delegation, with Sen. Markwayne Mullin recently tapped to serve as Homeland Security secretary.

The details

In a Facebook post, Pinnell said that while the recent developments in Oklahoma's congressional delegation 'opened up that conversation again the past few days, it has not changed how we feel about pursuing something new outside of politics.' Pinnell has served as lieutenant governor since 2018, when he was elected alongside Gov. Kevin Stitt. Stitt is set to term out later this year, leading to the open gubernatorial race.

  • Pinnell announced his decision on March 9, 2026.
  • Gov. Kevin Stitt's final term is set to end later this year.

The players

Matt Pinnell

The current lieutenant governor of Oklahoma, who announced he will not run for governor in 2026.

Kevin Stitt

The current governor of Oklahoma, who is set to term out later this year.

Markwayne Mullin

The U.S. senator from Oklahoma who was recently tapped to serve as Homeland Security secretary, opening his Senate seat.

Gentner Drummond

The Oklahoma Attorney General, who is running as a Republican candidate for governor.

Cyndi Munson

The Oklahoma House Minority Leader, who is the lone Democratic candidate for governor so far.

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What they’re saying

“Lisa and I decided to not run for Governor because we were ready for a new chapter outside politics.”

— Matt Pinnell, Lieutenant Governor of Oklahoma (Facebook)

What’s next

Oklahoma's primary election for the gubernatorial race is scheduled for June 16, 2026.

The takeaway

Pinnell's decision not to run for governor opens up the 2026 Oklahoma gubernatorial race, with several candidates from both parties already campaigning. His announcement highlights the ongoing changes and transitions within Oklahoma's political landscape.