Polling Average
40%30%20%10%0%
31.2%
16.5%
10%
10%
8.5%
7.8%
Republican
Jake Merrick
Republican candidate for Governor in Oklahoma
Oklahoma Republican Governor nominee?
$1.6M
AUG 26, 2026Primary Election
Party selects its nominee.
Candidate Overview
Key details about the candidate’s background, party, office sought and current campaign.
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 Oklahoma Republican politician and former member of the Oklahoma State Senate, representing District 22 from April 2021 to November 2022. He previously ran for U.S. House in Oklahoma's 5th congressional district in 2020 and later filed to run for Governor of Oklahoma in the 2026 Republican primary. His background includes ministry and business roles, and he has described professional experience in broadcasting, fitness training, and tool sales.
SourcesShowHide
guardian.ok.goven.wikipedia.orgjakemerrickforgovernor.comevent.okgop.comballotready.orgoklahomarc.comdeveloper.ballotpedia.orgusvotefoundation.orgballotclarity.orgokgazette.comusa.govivoterguide.comoksenate.govvoterguideok.commiamiok.govbhfs.comreddit.commuskogeepolitico.comnondoc.comkosu.orgvelocityokc.comyukonprogressnews.comfreethestates.orgtheokpost.comjakemerrick.comoldgloryalliance.comflatlandkc.orgkzyx.orgkgou.orgcongress.govoklahomawatch.orgballotpedia.orgfacebook.comnewson6.comamarillopioneer.comkoco.comokcfox.comoklahoman.comnews9.comnewsweek.comoddsshopper.cominstagram.comjustfacts.votesmart.orgfec.govgovinfo.govnga.org
Political 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”).
Latest News
AINews Summary
Last updatedSep 2, 2026
Jake Merrick is in the news because he is part of the Republican race for Oklahoma governor, with recent coverage focused on campaign finances and voter-guide discussions of the contest. The reports do not identify a clear GOP nominee yet, and the race appears to still be unsettled. Recent coverage also places him in broader Oklahoma debates over tax policy and other state issues.
guardian.ok.gov+45
Articles
WEWashington Examiner8 months ago
What happens to Mullin's Senate seat if confirmed as DHS head
Neutral
TWTulsa World3 months ago
Voter guide for Oklahomans ahead of Aug. 25 election
Neutral
ATArs Technica7 months ago
Emerging legislation would shield polluters from liability for climate change
Neutral
RSRolling Stone8 months ago
The Cannabis Industry’s Growing Pains: Complacency Is the Greatest Threat to Legalization
Neutral
Latest Polls
Oklahoma Republican Governor nominee?
Recent polling results and the candidate's current average in the race.
Jake Merrick currently averages 4.6%, ranking 7th in this race, 3.2 points behind the next candidate.
Polling average: 4.6%Position: 7thMargin: -3.2 ptsLatest poll: 12.0% (Jun 2 - 3)Polls included: 9
Average recalculated from polls through Jun 2 - 3.
Aggregation source: FiftyPlusOne
New updates coming soon
We're monitoring and will update when new data impacts the race.
- Endorsements
- Fundraising