'An obvious contrast': Gubernatorial candidates in Okla. Democratic primary offer spectrum

When Joy Hofmeister switched parties last year to run for governor as a Democrat, the party's state chair was quick to point out that it now meant Democrats had one statewide seat — state superintendent of public instruction, Hofmeister's current position that she had won twice as a Republican.

"Dems have one now," said Alicia Andrews, chair of the Oklahoma Democratic Party, remarking on the first statewide Democratic official in more than a decade.

Now Hofmeister is hoping to become the first Democrat to be elected to a statewide position since 2006, the last time the party won the race for governor and several other statewide seats.

“I am running for governor to rebuild what Kevin Stitt has destroyed: accountability and trust,” Hofmeister said when she officially filed for the race last week.

Read more: https://www.oklahoman.com/story/news/2022/04/19/governor-oklahoma-primary-election-democratic-candidates-joy-hofmeister-connie-johnson/7272391001/