Lt. Gov. Matt Pinnell speaks to new county GOP group, hints at governor's run

Oklahoma Lt. Governor Matt Pinnell addressed a standing-room-only crowd at the launch party for the newly formed Republican and Other Conservatives of Washington County (ROC-WC) group.

More than 100 people gathered in the back rooms of Crossing Second to hear Pinnell speak about the state of politics at the local, state and national levels, but what he said about the Oklahoma governorship after the meeting might have the largest impact.

2026 Oklahoma governor's race

"I am certainly looking at it," Pinnell said. "Just got re-elected this past November, so we got some time, but I'm certainly looking at running for governor."

Pinnell served as Oklahoma's first Secretary of Tourism since January 2019 and switched to Secretary of Workforce Development in July 2023. He received high praise from Oklahoma Gov. Kevin Stitt for his work for Oklahoma.

"Lt. Governor Pinnell is a successful businessman with a talent for fostering economic growth in Oklahoma," Stitt wrote in a press release. "As Secretary of Tourism, his leadership saw the highest visitation levels we've had in state history, and I know he will bring that same level of excitement and energy into recruiting talent to Oklahoma."

With Gov. Stitt being term-limited and ineligible for running for re-election, many prominent Oklahomans are reportedly interested in running for the post.

This list includes Attorney General Gentner Drummond, House Speaker Charles McCall, Senate Pro Tem Greg Treat and many others. None have made any public announcements, but that could change soon.

Last month, an unclaimed campaign-like website launched with the headline "Ryan Walters for Oklahoma Governor." The website includes a countdown clock set to expire next week, hinting at some announcement.

Walters's spokesperson and close adviser, Matt Langston, reported to the Oklahoman that it wasn't theirs.

More: Is Ryan Walters running for governor? This website says so, but it's not his

Republicans must solve issues

While speaking at the ROC-WC event, Pinnell spoke to the need for party unity and said Republicans need to lead the charge to solve issues like housing, jobs and lack of childcare.

"Republicans should be talking about those issues," Pinnell said. "If the Republican Party is the party that addresses those needs of the small business owner, the silent majority, the disgruntled Democrat and independent and that the young kid, if they see it's the Republican Party that is talking to them and is trying to address issues that we have in the state of Oklahoma, then we will create the next generation of Republicans in the. state of Oklahoma."

"We have to come up with solutions — you can't just be against things," he said.

After speaking for approximately 20 minutes, Pinnell answered a handful of questions from audience members.

Audience member Kevin Potter asked questions about Oklahoma's technical schools and the importance of investing in aviation education.

Pinnell praised Oklahoma's efforts in career tech school and said more investment is needed.

"We changed a lot of adults' lives getting back into the workforce and getting a certificate within 18 months and they're making more money than most people," Pinnell said. "The brand new boat in front of your neighbor's house — It's probably the plumber, not the doctor."

He noted that 11,000 students were accepted into technical schools but 11,000 were turned down because of lack of room.

"It's not enough," Pinnell said. "Well, that's a problem, right, that's a barrier to the workforce and I'm the secretary of workforce and I'm developing the next step. It's just it takes a little bit more time and a little bit more money."

More: How the Washington County GOP fell apart in less than a year

Balance of power within Washington County GOP

Since the County GOP convention in March, the Washington County Republican Party fractured into two competing groups after turmoil within its leadership committee reached a breaking point. The ROC-WC chose to start a new group over the summer.

Many prominent former and currently elected Republican officials have put their support behind the ROC-WC.

But Pinnell isn't picking a side; he believes there is room for more than one conservative group in Washington County.

"There's probably 10 GOP clubs in Tulsa, and I speak to all of them," Pinnell said. "Communities that may have had just one GOP club for a while may not. Most communities around the state have multiple GOP clubs, and I think Washington County is big enough for multiple clubs — I would accept an invitation from all of them."

Pinnell discussed the importance of Republicans getting involved and supporting candidates but once the primaries are over, the GOP needs to unite.

"My hope is that we rally behind our nominees once we have a nominee because I think that's the next test here in Washington County," Pinnell said. "Once we have a Republican nominee, Republicans should rally."

Pinnell ended his address to attendees reminding them of the importance of getting involved.

"The world is controlled by those who show up," he said.

The meeting was open to all conservatives and Republicans in Washington County. None of the members of the self-described "grassroots" movement or Washington County GOP leadership were in attendance.

This article originally appeared on Bartlesville Examiner-Enterprise: Lt. Gov. Pinnell addresses new GOP group, hints at run for governor