Your Vote Counts: Former Speaker McCall joins AG Drummond in Oklahoma Governor's race for 2026 Election

The 2026 Oklahoma governor’s race is already shaping up as Former House Speaker Charles McCall officially announced his bid, joining Attorney General Gentner Drummond in the race. Political analysts predict a crowded field.

"We’ve talked about on this show how many Republicans we think will end up in this governor’s race," said Jason Dunnington, a former Democratic state representative. "I still think that number is probably somewhere around seven that we’ll have in there."

Political analyst Scott Mitchell noted that despite it being early 2025, the campaign cycle has already begun.

"If it feels like it’s starting earlier than normal, it’s really not," Rep. Jon Echols (R) said. "It’s not starting as much. This is similar to when you started seeing names pop up the last time there was an open governor’s race."

The Domino Effect on Statewide Races

With the governor’s race underway, other statewide offices will soon see new candidates as term limits open positions.

"Now is that time where you’re going to see people that are serious about running for statewide office," Echols said. "They have to carry a message to all 77 counties, all four corners of the state."

Echols also emphasized the importance of early campaigning in Oklahoma.

"In Oklahoma, we elect everything but dog catcher, and probably if we check, there would be someplace that elects a dog catcher," Mitchell joked. "But nonetheless, there are so many statewide offices, and you’ve got to move fast."

Dunnington added that most statewide positions will be open due to term limits.

"Really, if you’re thinking about the dominoes falling, the only statewide office that we have right now that’s not going to be term-limited is state superintendent of education," he said.

Jon Echols Announces Departure from Your Vote Counts

During the episode, Rep. Jon Echols announced his departure from Your Vote Counts after six years as a political analyst.

"I’ve been very proud to give you good information, to bring you a strong conservative voice for the state of Oklahoma, and it’s been really one of the honors of my lifetime," Echols said. "But I think at this stage, I have some other things planned for my future."

Echols hinted at an upcoming political move but did not provide details.

"You can follow me on my next steps," he said. "I’ve got a big announcement coming."

Dunnington praised Echols for fostering respectful political debate on the show.

"I always get the same comment, and it’s, ‘I really like watching you and Jon. I like the way you talk about politics. It’s respectable. You guys seem like you like each other.’ Well, the fact is, we do like each other," Dunnington said.

Despite Echols’ departure, Your Vote Counts will continue with a new conservative voice joining Mitchell and Dunnington in future episodes.

"We assure you that the show will go on," Dunnington said. "We’ll find someone else that’s articulate, that can bring a good conservative argument on Sunday mornings."