Oklahoma to Elect New Lieutenant Governor November 3
T.W. Shannon and Kelly Forbes will compete for the position in the upcoming state general election.
Updated on Oct. 20, 2026 in Elections
Live Poll
Should local candidates prioritize economic growth over increased investment in public social services?
Oklahoma voters will select a new lieutenant governor on November 3, 2026. Republican nominee T.W. Shannon and Democratic candidate Kelly Forbes are the two candidates appearing on the general election ballot.
Why it matters
The lieutenant governor plays a key role in Oklahoma state government, as they serve as the president of the state senate and act as governor whenever the incumbent governor leaves the state.
In the Republican primary, T.W. Shannon secured 54% of the vote across a field of six candidates. Kelly Forbes ran unopposed in the Democratic primary to secure the nomination.
The players
T.W. Shannon
He is a former speaker of the Oklahoma House of Representatives and the Republican nominee for lieutenant governor.
Kelly Forbes
She is an educator and the Democratic nominee for lieutenant governor.
The details
T.W. Shannon is a former speaker of the Oklahoma House of Representatives, while Kelly Forbes enters the race as an educator. The winner will assume the duties of the office, which include presiding over the state senate.
Timeline
T.W. Shannon served as national chair of Black Voices in 2020.
The Oklahoma lieutenant gubernatorial election occurs on November 3, 2026.
Election day polls are open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. on November 3, 2026.
Political Context
The contest highlights the different platforms of the two candidates who seek to fulfill the specific roles defined by the Oklahoma state constitution's provisions for gubernatorial succession. Opposition party representatives have consistently challenged the current administration's approach to state senate procedures.
The winner of the election will hold a tie-breaking vote as president of the state senate and will hold executive power when the governor is out of state. Residents should prepare to visit polling locations on November 3 to participate in the selection process.
The takeaway
Voters should review the official candidate information provided by the state to understand the qualifications of those running for the office. Ensuring registration status is up to date is the most important step for citizens to participate in this election.
What happens next
General election polls will be open throughout the state on November 3, 2026, from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Further reading
For more information on the upcoming state ballot, visit Oklahoma elections.
More information
To verify registration or find a polling place, visit the Oklahoma state voter portal.
Live Poll
Should local candidates prioritize economic growth over increased investment in public social services?
