Five candidates seek Oklahoma Lieutenant Governor post

[Desmond Milligan 0]

The Oklahoma State Capitol building is pictured. (Photo by Kyle Phillips/For Oklahoma Voice)

OKLAHOMA CITY – Four Republicans and one Democrat have filed paperwork indicating they are running for lieutenant governor.

Republican Lt. Gov. Matt Pinnell is serving his second term and can’t seek reelection to the post.

Republicans seeking the post are State Auditor and Inspector Cindy Byrd, state Sen. Darrell Weaver, state Rep. J.J. Humphrey and political newcomer Victor Flores.

Kelly Forbes of Oklahoma City is the sole Democrat thus far to file paperwork with the Oklahoma Ethics Commission indicating an intention to run.

Byrd, 52, of Coalgate, wants to focus on promoting tourism and the music industry.

She said the lieutenant governor sits on a lot of boards and commissions that drive economic development involving millions of dollars. Her skill set makes her ready to start on the first day, she said.

About 80% of every tax dollar is spent on education and health care, but the state ranks at the bottom in outcomes, she said. She wants to do a deep dive into the reasons and assist the next governor on making improvements, she said.

Weaver, 63, of Moore, is the former head of the Oklahoma State Bureau of Dangerous Drugs Control, an agency in which held various positions.

He and his wife operate Weaver clinics, which provide medical care.

Weaver said his relationships in the Capitol and law enforcement and business background make him a good fit for the office.

He said his background as a pilot has taught him about all of the opportunities the state has in the aerospace industry.

Flores, 47, of Edmond is a small business owner and a partner with a national accounting firm.

He would like to improve the relationships between the tribes, state agencies and the executive branch.

Flores said he wants to focus on making sure economic development is happening statewide, especially in rural areas.

Humphrey, 59, of Lane, is a rancher and retired probation and parole officer.

He said the Oklahoma House leadership has shut down his efforts to expose problems at the Oklahoma Department of Corrections and Oklahoma Department of Human Services.

“I hope to use the lieutenant governor’s position to make the state aware of these things and expose corruption,” he said.

He also wants to improve the state’s educational system and broadband access in rural Oklahoma so businesses can grow.

Forbes could not be reached for comment Wednesday.

The filing period is April 1-3 at the state Capitol for federal, state, legislative and judicial offices.

The primary election is June 16, followed by a Aug. 25, 2026, runoff. 

The general election is Nov. 3, 2026.  

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