Keaton Ross

Oklahoma Watch

“Oklahoma Watch, at oklahomawatch.org, is a nonprofit, nonpartisan news organization that covers public-policy issues facing the state.”

Republican Primaries for Governor, Attorney General drive up record outside spending

June 18, 2026 Keaton Ross Maya Henry

Open your mailbox, turn on the radio or fire up a network television channel, and you’ll likely be bombarded with negative ads attacking Oklahoma political candidates. Outside groups are flooding Oklahoma with a record amount of advertising ahead of the June 16 primary election. From April 1 to June 14, these organizations reported $27.5 million…

Gubernatorial candidates rely on personal money to launch campaigns

February 12, 2026 Keaton Ross

Republican gubernatorial candidates have poured $7.6 million of their own money into their campaigns ahead of the June 16 primary election, eclipsing donations from individuals and political groups. Mike Mazzei leads the pack in self-funding, incrementally loaning his campaign $3 million from April through December. As of Dec. 31, the last reporting deadline, about 88%…

Oklahoma’s Voter Registration deadline nears

October 10, 2024 Keaton Ross

Now’s the time to check your voter registration status and encourage your friends and family to do the same. This Friday, Oct. 11 is Oklahoma’s voter registration deadline to participate in the Nov. 5 general election. Most residents with a valid state driver’s license can register to vote online. You can also mail an application…