Cole Hargrave Snodgrass & Associates
50%40%30%20%10%0%
10%
39%
12%
5%
Republican
Matt Pinnell
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 roleLieutenant Governor
PartyRepublican
Political ideologyConservative Republican
Age47 years old (Aug 15, 1979)
GenderMale
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LocationOklahoma
BackgroundPolitician
EducationOral Roberts University (advertising degree; B.A. reported)
Notable personal detailsPhilip Matthew Pinnell is an American politician who has served as the 17th Lieutenant Governor of Oklahoma since 2019. He previously served as chair of the Oklahoma Republican Party (2010–2013) and worked for the Republican National Committee as Director of State Parties (2013–2017). He earned an advertising degree from Oral Roberts University and has described himself as a small-business owner. He lives in Tulsa with his wife, Lisa, and their four children.
SourcesShowHide
oklahoma.govmattpinnell.comen.wikipedia.orgnlga.usguardian.ok.govtwitter.comquery-scholarly.wikidata.orgwikidata.orgcommons.wikimedia.orgm.wikidata.orgwikiframe.library.unlv.eduarxiv.orgfamousbirthdays.comde.wikipedia.orgmobile.x.comstatic.clubs.nfl.comlinkedin.comnfib.comkoco.comjustfacts.votesmart.orgbaptistmessenger.commuskogeepolitico.comkjrh.comnondoc.comokenergytoday.comokgazette.comoklahomavoice.comtulsabeacon.comtaxfoundation.orghome.treasury.govlocalnews8.comrollcall.combuzzsprout.comsmithdunn.comjournalrecord.comnytimes.comcitynewsokc.comocpathink.orgoklahoman.comgaylordnews.netfacebook.comkgou.orgvotesmart.orgstatic.votesmart.orgcdn.ballotpedia.orgdata.ballotpedia.orgdeveloper.ballotpedia.orgcongress.govballotready.orgncsl.orgnga.orgfec.gov
Political Positions
LiberalConservative
Economy & Taxes
Supports reducing taxes and cutting burdens on small businesses while promoting workforce and economic development. Emphasizes conservative, pro-business policies and regulatory reduction as part of his economic agenda.
Healthcare
Opposes COVID-19 vaccine mandates for health-care workers and criticizes federal vaccine mandates as federal overreach; campaign materials emphasize conservative, limited-government approaches to public policy. Policy materials focus on workforce, economic development and reducing government involvement rather than expanding public health programs.
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Abortion & Reproductive Rights
Matt Pinnell holds a strongly pro-life position and supports protecting unborn life. He has expressed opposition to pro-abortion actions and is described on his campaign materials as strongly pro-life. He has received a 100% rating from Oklahomans for Life.
Climate & Energy
Supports Oklahoma’s oil and gas industry while promoting diversification into renewables and emerging energy opportunities (e.g., hydrogen) and emphasizes economic development and energy jobs over aggressive federal regulation. Favors an “all‑of‑the‑above” approach that includes wind and solar growth alongside continued fossil fuel production. Focus is on market-driven innovation, workforce development, and protecting state energy industries from federal overreach.
Public Safety & Guns
The candidate identifies as a gun owner and NRA member with an A rating and states he will protect Oklahomans’ Second Amendment right to keep and bear arms. He emphasizes strong support for law enforcement and opposes efforts to defund police. No explicit support for major new firearm restrictions (e.g., universal background checks or assault weapons bans) was found in the cited materials.
Latest News
AINews Summary
Last updatedSep 2, 2026
Matt Pinnell is being mentioned as a possible Republican contender for Oklahoma’s open U.S. Senate seat after Markwayne Mullin was nominated to lead Homeland Security. The reporting says several GOP figures are interested in the race, but no final decision or candidacy has been confirmed. Pinnell is also being discussed in the broader Oklahoma Republican governor race, where recent coverage focuses on campaign finance, tax policy, and election odds rather than a settled nominee.
oklahoma.gov+51
Articles
TNThe New York Times6 months ago
Trump Pick Of Mullin For D.H.S. Sets Off Political Scramble in Oklahoma
Neutral
TWTulsa World4 months ago
Latest financials in Republican race for Oklahoma governor
Neutral
TWTulsa World1 month ago
Voter guide for Oklahomans ahead of Aug. 25 election
Neutral
ATArs Technica6 months ago
Emerging legislation would shield polluters from liability for climate change
Neutral
Latest Polls
Oklahoma Republican Governor nominee?
Recent polling results and the candidate's current average in the race.
Aggregation source: FiftyPlusOne
New updates coming soon
We're monitoring and will update when new data impacts the race.
- Endorsements
- Fundraising