Polling Average
40%30%20%10%0%
31.2%
16.5%
10%
10%
8.5%
7.8%
G. Drummond
Oklahoma Republican Governor nominee?
$251.3K
JUN 17, 2026Primary Election
Party selects its nominee.
Overview
Current roleFormer State Senator
PartyRepublican
Political ideologyConservative Republican
GenderMale
LocationOklahoma
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BackgroundPolitician
EducationDallas Baptist University (B.A.)
Notable personal detailsJake Anthony Merrick is an American politician, radio host, and business owner in Oklahoma. He served as a Republican member of the Oklahoma State Senate representing District 22 from April 2021 to November 2022, after winning a 2021 special election. He previously ran for the U.S. House in Oklahoma’s 5th congressional district (2020). Merrick is a seminary graduate and has worked as a pastor and college professor, and he is a candidate for Governor of Oklahoma in 2026.
SourcesShowHide
jakemerrickforgovernor.comkosu.orgkgou.orgfec.goven.wikipedia.orgyukonprogressnews.comkoco.comthefreedomindex.orgpolitics1.comnationalpublicdata.comnondoc.comivoterguide.commccarvillereport.cometypeproductionstorage1.blob.core.windows.netbhfs.comwestokweekly.comstatic1.squarespace.comoksenate.govoklahoma.govmuskogeepolitico.comvelocityokc.comfreethestates.orgtheokpost.comjakemerrick.comoldgloryalliance.comflatlandkc.orgkzyx.orgcongress.govoklahomawatch.orgjustfacts.votesmart.orgapnews.comdeveloper.ballotpedia.orgcba.ballotpedia.orglegislation.ballotpedia.orgstatic.votesmart.orgcdn.ballotpedia.orglinkedin.comballotready.orghistory.house.govdurbin.senate.govgovinfo.govdocs.house.gov
Positions
LiberalConservative
Economy & Taxes
The candidate supports reducing taxation and rolling back regulation, endorses free-market capitalism, and has proposed eliminating property taxes. His campaign materials and media coverage frame his economic approach around tax cuts and smaller government intervention.
Healthcare
Supports market-oriented healthcare changes such as promoting Direct Primary Care and concierge medicine, emphasizes preventive health and medical freedom, and has opposed vaccine mandates. Positions focus on private-sector solutions and individual choice rather than major government expansions of coverage.
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Immigration & Border
Supports enforcing existing immigration laws, prioritizing legal immigrants, and strengthening border security including coordinating with other states to address border control. Positions emphasize law enforcement and order rather than expanded pathways or asylum protections.
Abortion & Reproductive Rights
Supports ending abortion in Oklahoma and describes himself as an abortion abolitionist, advocating protection of life from conception without compromise.
Climate & Energy
Supports Oklahoma's oil and gas industry and seeks to restrict or increase regulation on wind, solar, and carbon-capture projects; opposes expansion of wind turbines and large solar farms to protect rural areas and the economy.
Public Safety & Guns
The candidate supports expanded gun rights and strong Second Amendment protections, including carrying measures while highlighting pro-gun themes in his public communications. His campaign emphasizes constitutional values and frequent pro-gun messaging (e.g., themed radio segments like “2A Tuesday”).
News
AINews Summary
Last updatedJun 11, 2026
Jake Merrick is in the news because Oklahoma Republicans are pushing to roll back cannabis legalization, and Governor Kevin Stitt has suggested revisiting medical marijuana rules. He is also being mentioned in broader Republican efforts to shield polluters from climate liability, which could affect related lawsuits. More generally, the recent news shows Oklahoma and national GOP politics moving on several contentious policy fights.
jakemerrickforgovernor.com+41
Articles
WEWashington Examiner3 months ago
What happens to Mullin's Senate seat if confirmed as DHS head
Neutral
ATArs Technica3 months ago
Emerging legislation would shield polluters from liability for climate change
Neutral
RSRolling Stone3 months ago
The Cannabis Industry’s Growing Pains: Complacency Is the Greatest Threat to Legalization
Neutral
AABC17News.com3 months ago
A record number of Republicans are leaving the House
Neutral
Polls
Oklahoma Republican Governor nominee?
Aggregation source: FiftyPlusOne
New updates coming soon
We're monitoring and will update when new data impacts the race.
- Endorsements
- Fundraising