Challenges Faced by Kevin Stitt: Obstacles and Turning Points

Resilience and perseverance in the journey of Kevin Stitt. A timeline of obstacles and growth.

John Kevin Stitt is the 28th and current Governor of Oklahoma, serving since 2019. A Republican, he won the 2018 election against Drew Edmondson with 54.3% of the vote and was re-elected in 2022, defeating Joy Hofmeister with 55.4% of the vote.

Sections (5)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements Challenges & Struggles Controversies & Scandals

1900: Cherokee Nation's failed attempt to remove Robert Benton Dawson from the Dawes Rolls

Around 1900, the Cherokee Nation attempted to remove Robert Benton Dawson from the Dawes Rolls for allegedly bribing a tribal official in order for himself and dozens of his relatives to be included in the tribal roll around 1880.

2009: Gateway Listed as Shady Lender

In 2009, Gateway was listed in a Business Insider article as one of the 15 shadiest lenders in the government-backed mortgage industry.

2009: Gateway Fined by Wisconsin Regulators

In 2009, during Kevin Stitt's gubernatorial campaign, it was reported that Wisconsin regulators had fined Gateway for a "clerical error" regarding its history with regulators from other states.

April 2014: Botched Execution of Clayton Lockett

In April 2014, the botched execution of Clayton Lockett led to a moratorium on all state executions in Oklahoma.

January 2015: Execution of Charles Warner by Unauthorized Methods

In January 2015, the execution of Charles Warner using unauthorized methods contributed to a moratorium on all state executions in Oklahoma.

August 19, 2018: Oklahoman Addresses Shady Lender Article Inaccuracies

On August 19, 2018, The Oklahoman newspaper published an article highlighting the inaccuracies of a Business Insider article. The consent order stated that the Illinois banking agency investigated a Gateway loan originator for an 'alleged real estate, appraisal, and mortgage fraud scheme'. Gateway fired the employee, asked for a hearing and then agreed to what investigators found. Gateway agreed to a $10,000 fine.

2018: Oklahoma Incarcerated the Most Women Per Capita

In 2018, Oklahoma incarcerated the most women per capita.

December 23, 2019: Lisa Johnson Billy Resigns from Stitt's Cabinet

On December 23, 2019, Lisa Johnson Billy resigned from Kevin Stitt's cabinet due to disagreements over negotiations with Oklahoma's Indian tribes regarding gambling compacts.

March 2020: Stitt posts photo eating at restaurant amid pandemic

In March 2020, Stitt went out to restaurants amid the coronavirus pandemic and posted a photo on Twitter of him doing so with two of his children. He later deleted the tweet.

July 9, 2020: Supreme Court decides McGirt v. Oklahoma

On July 9, 2020, the United States Supreme Court decided in McGirt v. Oklahoma that half of the land of the state of Oklahoma made up of tribal nations like the Cherokee are officially Native American tribal land jurisdictions.

July 2020: Video with erroneous claims about Native American rights

In July 2020, a video Stitt made had a number of erroneous claims about Native American rights, such as that they do not have to obey the speed limit.

July 28, 2020: Court rules in favor of tribes in gaming compact dispute

On July 28, 2020, U.S. District Judge Timothy D. DeGiusti ruled in the tribes' favor, holding that their compacts with the state automatically renewed for an additional 15-year term on January 1, 2020.

2021: Oklahoma Had Third-Highest Incarceration Rate

According to Prison Policy Initiative, Oklahoma had the third-highest incarceration rate in 2021.

October 31, 2022: Stitt's son found intoxicated with firearms

On October 31, 2022, Stitt's 20-year-old son was found intoxicated in a parking lot in Guthrie, Oklahoma, while in possession of firearms, including a gun belonging to his father. No charges were filed, though the Logan County Sheriff's Office recommended filing charges.

2022: Luck and Doyle pressured to resign from Board

In 2022, Adam Luck and Kelley Doyle were pressured to resign from the Oklahoma Pardon and Parole Board.

2022: Grand Jury Report Criticizes Stitt

In 2022, a grand jury report filed by David Prater criticized Kevin Stitt for being grossly improper and claimed that he pressured the Oklahoma Pardon and Parole Board, possibly violating the Open Meetings Act.

June 2023: Senator Greg Treat criticizes senators

In June 2023, Senator Greg Treat criticized senators who did not show up for a tribal compact vote to override one of Stitt's vetoes. The next month, he called Stitt "ineffective" and said they were one vote shy of overriding.

June 2023: Stitt doesn't respond to Tulsa mayor's call

In June 2023, after severe storms hit parts of Oklahoma, Tulsa Mayor G.T. Bynum requested that Stitt announce a state of emergency, but Stitt did not respond to Bynum's calls.