Kevin Stitt came into office in 2019 as a businessman with no political experience. He promised to run Oklahoma like a company and push it into the top ten states for jobs, education, and infrastructure.
Eight years later, term limits are bringing his tenure to an end. In 2026 he has delivered his final State of the State address, appointed a new U.S. Senator, and toured all 77 Oklahoma counties one last time. Here is a look at his record and what comes next.
Kevin Stitt is the Republican governor of Oklahoma, elected in 2018 and reelected in 2022. Term limits end his tenure in January 2027. A former mortgage company founder, he focused on taxes, government efficiency, and education. In March 2026 he appointed Alan Armstrong to the U.S. Senate after Markwayne Mullin became Secretary of Homeland Security.
Who Is Kevin Stitt?
Stitt is a fourth-generation Oklahoman and a graduate of Oklahoma State University. In 2000 he founded Gateway Mortgage in Tulsa with $1,000 and a computer. He grew it into a national mortgage company operating in 42 states. In 2018 he led a merger that created Gateway First Bank, one of Oklahoma’s largest banks.
He ran for governor in 2018 with no prior experience in elected office and received more votes than any gubernatorial candidate in state history to that point.
Kevin Stitt's Wife and Family
Stitt is married to Sarah Stitt, Oklahoma’s First Lady. They have been married for more than 25 years and have six children.
Kevin Stitt's Record as Governor
| Area | Stitt Administration Action |
|---|---|
| Cabinet | Appointed the most female cabinet secretaries in state history and the state's first chief operating officer |
| Budget | Built the largest state savings account in Oklahoma history |
| Efficiency | Launched DOGE-OK to cut waste across state agencies |
| Education | Pushed to change how the state superintendent is selected |
| U.S. Senate | Appointed Alan Armstrong in March 2026 |
Fiscal Policy
Stitt has made tax cuts and spending restraint central to his agenda. His administration built Oklahoma’s largest savings reserve, which his office says helped the state weather an oil and gas downturn.
DOGE-OK
Following the federal government’s efficiency push, Stitt created DOGE-OK, a state initiative aimed at reducing waste and improving efficiency in Oklahoma agencies.
Education
After State Superintendent Ryan Walters resigned, Stitt appointed Lindel Fields to the post. He has urged lawmakers to change how the superintendent is chosen.
Kevin Stitt's 2026 Senate Appointment
In March 2026, Senator Markwayne Mullin resigned to become U.S. Secretary of Homeland Security. Stitt appointed energy executive Alan Armstrong to fill the seat. Armstrong was sworn in on March 24, 2026, and serves alongside Senator James Lankford.
Kevin Stitt's Final Months
Stitt delivered his final State of the State address in early 2026. In September, he spoke at the Texas Tribune Festival with National Review’s Jim Geraghty about conservative governing and what other states can learn from Oklahoma.
He is also visiting all 77 Oklahoma counties one more time before leaving office in January 2027. Oklahoma will elect a new governor on November 3, 2026.
Stitt has not announced his plans after leaving office.
Related Breaking Battlegrounds Discussion
Host Chuck Warren sat down with Stitt for Podcast 203: Exclusive Sit-Down with Oklahoma Governor Kevin Stitt, recorded August 14, 2024, before Stitt spoke at Erick Erickson’s 2024 Gathering. According to the episode summary, Stitt discussed economic and energy policy, education reform, the political climate, and his approach to leading Oklahoma.
For more from the event’s host, listen to Erick Erickson on the midterms, Georgia’s runoff, and 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
When does Kevin Stitt's term end?
Kevin Stitt’s second and final term as governor of Oklahoma ends in January 2027. Oklahoma’s governor is limited to two terms, and voters will choose his successor on November 3, 2026.
Who is Kevin Stitt's wife?
Kevin Stitt is married to Sarah Stitt, the First Lady of Oklahoma. They have been married for more than 25 years and have six children.
Who did Kevin Stitt appoint to the Senate?
In March 2026, Kevin Stitt appointed energy executive Alan Armstrong to the U.S. Senate, replacing Markwayne Mullin, who resigned to become Secretary of Homeland Security. Armstrong was sworn in on March 24, 2026.
What did Kevin Stitt do before becoming governor?
Before becoming governor, Kevin Stitt founded Gateway Mortgage in Tulsa in 2000, growing it into a national company operating in 42 states. In 2018 he led a merger creating Gateway First Bank.
Conclusion
Kevin Stitt arrived in politics as an outsider who promised business-style management. He leaves after eight years with a record focused on taxes, savings, and government efficiency, and with a Senate appointment that will shape Oklahoma’s delegation.
His next move is still unknown. Few governors who have spent eight years building a national profile disappear quietly.
Related Reads
Sources
- News 9, “What to know ahead of Gov. Kevin Stitt’s final State of the State address,” 2026
- Fox 23 / KTUL, “In Depth: Gov. Kevin Stitt wraps up eight years in office,” September 17, 2026
- The Texas Tribune, “Watch: Oklahoma Gov. Kevin Stitt speaks at the 2026 Texas Tribune Festival,” September 24, 2026
- Politico, “Stitt picks energy executive Alan Armstrong as next Oklahoma senator,” March 24, 2026
- Office of the Governor of Oklahoma, Governor Stitt biography
- Breaking Battlegrounds, Podcast 203 episode page, recorded August 14, 2024
Editorial Note: This article is intended for informational and analytical purposes. Political developments, policies, polling, and public statements can change over time. Readers should consult primary sources and official government information for the latest details.
