Vaunted Youth Softball Coach Enters Oklahoma Governor’s Race…

Barring any last-minute surprises – like Ryan Walters landing from the sky in a hot air balloon and entering the race – it looks like the field for the 2026 Oklahoma gubernatorial race is set!

Yesterday morning, in honor of National Homemade Cookie Day, famed Oklahoma business leader, scholar, and youth softball coach Chip Keating announced he is entering the 2026 Governor’s race.

Wait. Who?

You know, Chip Keating. The famed former Oklahoma Highway Patrolman, public safety official, and businessman. Everyone’s heard of him, right?

Via News 9:

Chip Keating, a former Oklahoma Highway Patrol trooper, state public safety official, and businessman, has announced his candidacy for governor of Oklahoma.

Keating, a Republican, launched his campaign on Wednesday, saying he plans to focus on crime reduction, economic growth, and aligning state policies with President Donald Trump’s “America First” agenda.

“Oklahoma families need a fighter who’s got their back,” said Keating. “President Trump is leading the way for political outsiders to challenge the failing status quo and the career politicians who aren’t getting the job done. I’m a man of action, not a career politician, and I’ll follow the Trump playbook to keep Oklahoma safe, stand firm in our conservative values, and build a safer, stronger state together.”

Yep, even though he’s backed by Stitt, served in the Governor's cabinet, and shares the same PR henchman, Chip is a political outsider.

I’m sure his dad – former Oklahoma Governor Frank Keating – would agree:

Yep, that's right. The guy who’s spent his whole life in and around politics is an outsider. This would be like Kevin Stitt calling his eyebrow a natural growth!

I’m a nepo baby of sorts – if you ever need a mask or caricature sketch, let me know – so I can’t really fault someone for using their last name to its full advantage and entering the family business, but at least own up to it. It’s not a big deal. It’s very common in politics, and why no one will be surprised when President Barron Trump flies out to Oklahoma to have Natty Lights with Governor Drew Stitt in 2044. Since Chip is a former State Trooper and everything, maybe he can be the one who drives them around!

Anyway, I don’t really know a whole lot about Chip Keating.

Well, that is outside of what I’ve observed as he’s managed my daughter’s vaunted softball team, the Queen Bees – a yellow-and-black-clad collection of the fastest runners, hardest hitters, and sweetest swingers this side of Wilshire.

I have to say, it’s been impressive to watch his leadership skills on display. If he can inspire Coach Bart to pitch straight, and get a bench full of distracted 7-year-olds to remember not only where they put their bat, but where they hit in the batting order, he can definitely handle all the immaturity, tomfoolery, and uncontrolled chaos at the Oklahoma Capitol.

Unfortunately for Chip, I think the odds of him winning the race are as high as my daughter hitting a home run.

He is way behind in polling, fundraising, and name recognition. As a result, his entrance into the race feels more like a long play than one that will provide immediate returns.

For example, by running for Governor, Chip will grow more connected to the ruling class, increase his name recognition and brand appeal, and – if he plays nice – can become more appealing for future cabinet positions, board commissions, and campaigns for public office.

Hell, maybe it will even score him a new coaching gig for one of those traveling all-star U8 softball teams that have their own DJ and batter walk-up music. He’d be a fool not to take it!

Even though I likely disagree with him on lots of policy and culture wars issues, I guess we wish Chip the best of luck in the Governor's race. I’ll try not to make too much fun of him for saying and doing crazy things while pandering to crazed wild folk in the dugout and/or campaign trail. 

Stay with The Lost Ogle. We’ll keep you advised.