In governor’s race, Merrick, other GOP candidates outline policy ideas

Five Republican candidates in Oklahoma’s gubernatorial race answered policy questions after failing to qualify for a May 28 debate hosted by KSWO-TV and NonDoc. Only Jake Merrick, Leisa Mitchell Haynes, Kenneth Sturgell, Jennifer Domenico, and Calup Anthony Taylor responded, with Haynes citing computer issues for her delay. Merrick, who participated in a live rebuttal outside the debate, identified education reform as the state’s top issue, citing Oklahoma’s 50th-place national ranking. Merrick proposed five key reforms: replacing district superintendents with county-level oversight, reducing reliance on standardized testing, expanding vocational and career training in high schools, tightening Individualized Education Program (IEP) standards, and moving school board elections to November. He argued these changes would improve accountability and parental involvement. The debate required candidates to meet a 12% polling threshold, which only Gentner Drummond, Chip Keating, Charles McCall, and Mike Mazzei achieved. NonDoc offered excluded candidates an alternative to submit written responses. Merrick also criticized opponents’ promises to cut taxes, calling them unrealistic given gubernatorial limitations. During his rebuttal, Merrick highlighted his Senate experience and ministry background as key qualifications, emphasizing servant leadership over special interests. The debate covered tribal relations, healthcare, and corruption, but Merrick’s focus remained on education as the most pressing state issue. NonDoc provided a full debate recap and video, while Merrick’s written responses underscored his policy priorities ahead of the race. His proposals reflect a mix of structural changes and parental engagement to address Oklahoma’s education challenges.