Leaders Of Oklahoma's 5 Largest Tribes Endorse Hofmeister For Governor

The state's five largest tribes have endorsed Joy Hofmeister in her run for governor. 

Tribal leaders say Hofmeister believes in tribal sovereignty, and will help with education in the state. 

Governor Kevin Stitt says he also has support from thousands of tribal members.

"I do believe that Joy Hofmeister will put the people of Oklahoma above anything else," says Seminole Nation Chief Lewis Johnson.

The tribes discussed several reasons why they believe Hofmeister is the candidate for the job. 

Cherokee Nation Principal Chief Chuck Hoskin Jr. says the future of the state depends on investing in education. 

"Whether it's the resources to fund education, whether it's getting behind education policy that works, she is ready, willing and able, and has been tested in all of those arenas," he said. 

Governor Kevin Stitt says he has the support of thousands of tribal members across the state and he has delivered on his promises, including funding teachers and education at historic highs, providing safe communities, and cutting taxes for Oklahomans. 

Related Story: Oklahoma's 5 Largest Tribes Announce Endorsement For Oklahoma Governor

Governor of the Chickasaw Nation Bill Anoatubby says Hofmeister will put the people of Oklahoma first and she understands how healthcare should work in the state. 

"Last few years we've seen healthcare be made partisan, healthcare be made political, healthcare is not political, healthcare is a need," he said.

The tribal leaders agree the state's leader should unite Oklahomans and work to improve the state. 

Choctaw Nation Chief Gary Batton says Hofmeister will keep communities alive through schools and economic development. 

"She does not look to divide us, she wants to make sure that in our conservative values here in the state of Oklahoma, she can pull us together on the things that we agree upon," Batton said. 

Muscogee Nation Chief David Hill says the state needs a leader who understands tribal sovereignty and says Hofmeister is willing to work with the tribes. 

"She will include all tribal nations as equal, as government to government, and that's what we are looking for," he said. 

In addition to tribal member support, Governor Sitt says he also has been endorsed by the Oklahoma State Fraternal Order of Police, dozens of state republican lawmakers, the NRA, and former president Donald Trump. 

Stitt's campaign team released this full statement: 

"Governor Kevin Stitt is proud to have the endorsement of the Oklahoma State Fraternal Order of Police as well as the support of thousands of tribal members across the state," Stitt campaign manager Donelle Harder said. "Because Gov. Stitt has delivered on his promises to turn deficits into surpluses, to deliver safe communities, to fund teachers and education at historic highs, all while cutting taxes for every Oklahoman.”