Last Updated on October 20, 2022, 9:02 AM | Published: October 20, 2022
OKLAHOMA CITY (Free Press) — Republican Oklahoma Gov. Kevin Stitt and his Democratic challenger, Joy Hofmeister faced off Wednesday night in their first and only gubernatorial debate with less than three weeks leading up to the November election.
Incumbent Stitt and State Superintendent of Public Instruction Hofmeister clashed on nearly every topic during the hour-and-a-half long forum, including education, abortion, recreational marijuana, infrastructure, tribal sovereignty, and personal records.
The much-anticipated debate, co-hosted by NonDoc media and News 9, was held in-person at the Will Rogers Theatre in OKC and live-streamed on the Facebook pages of both publications. The Independent candidate Ervin Yen and Libratarian candidate Natalie Bruno were not asked to participate in the debate.
Stitt repeatedly touted his accomplishments as governor in his responses and his plans to reduce personal income tax and eliminate the state’s grocery sales tax. The governor also often emphasized his opponent’s ties to “Biden’s party” (Democratic Party), arguing that Hofmeister would support open borders and tax increases.
Hofmeister, who switched from the Republican to the Democratic Party, accused Stitt of “hijacking” the Republican Party and reading off national scripts, while she described herself as an “aggressively moderate,” independent thinker. Both candidates criticized President Joe Biden during the debate.
Here are key points from each candidate on the issues:
Hofmeister
- Education: Hofmeister is strongly against school voucher programs, which she says would harm Oklahoma public schools and rural communities. She would instead focus on supporting public schools and solving the teacher shortage.
- Recreational Marijuana: Unsure of whether she supports SQ820, however, she says the tax revenue from recreational marijuana would be “very attractive” to help with education and other underfunded areas.
- Infrastructure: Hofmeister does not support the Turnpike expansion plan, which she says would wipe 600 homes in the Norman area.
- Abortion: She is pro-life personally, however she believes access to abortion is an essential part of women’s healthcare. She said, if elected, she would attempt to repeal Stitt’s decision to ban abortion.
“I am personally pro-life, but I haven’t walked in every woman’s shoes.” Hofmeister said “I don’t favor extreme views on either side of this issue.”
- Energy : Hofmeister said she supports “more energy, not less.” She also mentioned that she is not in favor of raising any fuel taxes, despite what Stitt says.
“I’m critical of, frankly, of this governor,” Hofmeister said, “I’m critical of Joe Biden. They haven’t done enough to battle the needs of Oklahoma and the energy industry.”
- Tribal sovereignty: Hofmeister, who secured an endorsement from Oklahoma’s five largest tribes, said she supports the sovereignty of tribal nations in the state.
Stitt
- Abortion: Stitt, who signed one of the nation’s strictest abortion laws, said he believes life begins at fertilization, however he said he would support exceptions for rape, incest, or addiction.
- Education: The governor supports school choice policies, such as school vouchers that would allow parents to receive public funds for other education options, such as private school.
- Recreational Marijuana: Stitt said he would not support SQ 820 or any new production licenses until the marijuana industry is “under control.”
- Infrastructure: Stitt is in favor of the Turnpike extension, or ACCESS Oklahoma, a $5 billion dollar 15-year plan introduced under his administration.
“We have an obligation to make sure that Oklahoma is well-positioned for the growth and the momentum that we have going for all of our citizens.”
- Energy: Stitt said he’s proud of Oklahoma’s “all of the above, more of everything” approach. He says he supports the state’s oil and gas industry as well as the transition to renewable energy.
- Tribal sovereignty: Stitt did not give a clear answer on whether he believes in tribal sovereignty, although he doubled-down on critical comments he made over the McGirt ruling.
Voting Info
The polls will open Nov. 8 from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Early voting runs from Nov. 2 through Nov. 5. The deadline to register to vote is Friday, Oct. 14. The deadline to request an absentee ballot is Oct. 24 by 5 p.m.
Brianna Garcia is a freelance journalist covering local politics and culture for Free Press. She has a degree in Journalism from the University of Central Oklahoma.
