
By Janelle Stecklein | Editor
“This appears to be, like, a pretty close race. So, there’s, like, any number of things that can move the needle one way or another.” - Michael Crespin of gubernatorial candidates releasing their health records

A sign points voters to the polling place at the Millwood High School Field House on June 16, 2026 in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. (Photo by Courtney Bell/Oklahoma Voice)
By Barbara Hoberock
Gentner Drummond’s push to pressure his opponent into taking a drug test taps into voter concerns over candidates’ health and could tip the outcome of the contentious runoff election for Oklahoma’s Republican nominee for governor, some political observers said.
Following questions from moderators during a televised debate, Drummond’s campaign this week released his health records plus the results of a drug test. Drummond, who has been Oklahoma’s attorney general since 2023, also questioned whether his opponent, Mike Mazzei, would feel “confident in his physical stature” to do the same.
So far, Mazzei – who has picked up the endorsement of President Donald Trump – has not.

Mike Mazzei addresses his supporters on Tuesday, June 16, 2026, during Maze’s watch party in Bixby, Okla. Supporters gathered to watch results in the Republican primary election. (Photo by Ace Cuervo/For Oklahoma Voice)
OPINION
By Janelle Stecklein
Mike Mazzei’s performance in recent debates has created a conundrum for him and our state’s pool of undecided Republican voters who are still trying to suss out their best nominee for governor.

James Taylor, left, will face off against Robert Franklin, right, in the Republican runoff for state superintendent on Aug. 25. (Provided photos)
By Nuria Martinez-Keel
Both Republican candidates for state superintendent have resolved ethics concerns of campaign video content filmed in public schools, an election watchdog agency announced.

An exterior photo of the Oklahoma State Capitol on Monday, Feb. 2, 2026, in Oklahoma City. (Photo by Kyle Phillips/For Oklahoma Voice)
By Barbara Hoberock
A long-time state official has been named Oklahoma Department of Rehabilitation Services executive director.

A snapshot of flight history of two aircraft belonging to military contractor Metrea Aerospace which have been flying along Arizona, Texas and New Mexico’s southern borders.
By Jerod MacDonald-Evoy
Military contractor aircraft equipped with high-end surveillance gear has been flying along the United States southern border above Arizona, New Mexico and Texas for months. The Department of Defense and the Department of Homeland Security won’t elaborate on what the aircraft are doing.
ICYMI
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