Gubernatorial Candidates Speak to Cowboys…

Howdy, partner!

If you’re bored and want to feel slightly more informed about the 2026 gubernatorial race, The Oklahoman recently posted a full-length video on YouTube of a forum featuring Republican candidates Gentner Drummond and Mike Mazzei, along with Democratic nominee Cyndi Munson.

Held at the Renaissance Tulsa Hotel & Convention Center as part of the Oklahoma Cattlemen’s Association convention, the forum primarily focused on agriculture and other rural topics that are important to men who wear cowboy hats…

As you’d probably expect, all three candidates promised to protect farmers, ranchers and Oklahoma’s sacred agricultural tax exemptions. They also talked about rural schools, groundwater and all the new data centers that will apparently be sucking our aquifers dry.

As a city slicker who doesn't own a cowboy hat, I watched – or at least skimmed – most of the forum and came away most impressed with Cyndi Munson.

Sure, she may not have much of a chance in November, but she seemed chill and pragmatic, leaned on her experience in government and, perhaps most wisely, avoided reminding the cattlemen that she’s a Democrat.

She also showed off some impressive improv skills when the lights accidentally went out while answering a question...

Sadly, that was about the only interesting thing to happen at the forum.

For the most part, Gentner and Mike played the same roles they’ve been playing throughout the campaign.

Gentner was polished, confident and clearly comfortable in a room full of cowboys. He presented himself as the trustworthy rancher-combat-veteran-lawman, and didn't break character when the lights went out as he spoke...

Mike, meanwhile, was his usual slightly goofy self – using his unusual octave shifts to awkwardly work his Trump endorsement, no-income-tax plan and “faith and freedom” routine into just about every answer.

On the bright side, the lights stayed on and he didn’t mock the moderator once!

Anyway, if you’re bored and want to feel fully informed, you can watch the entire forum here. If you’d prefer to be slightly less informed and save about an hour of your life, you can watch or read the news report below.

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