Most Talked-About Controversies Linked to Kevin Stitt

A closer look at the most debated and controversial moments involving Kevin Stitt.

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

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 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.

May 7, 2021: Stitt Signs Bill Prohibiting Teaching of Critical Race Theory

On May 7, 2021, Governor Stitt signed a bill prohibiting the teaching of critical race theory or its gender equivalent in public schools.

2021: Oklahoma Had Third-Highest Incarceration Rate

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

April 2022: Stitt Signs SB 612 Into Law

In April 2022, Kevin Stitt signed Senate Bill 612 (SB 612) into law, which makes performing an abortion a crime punishable by 10 years in prison or a $100,000 fine, with exceptions for medical emergencies but none for rape or incest.

May 25, 2022: Stitt Signs Bill on Bathroom Usage in Schools

On May 25, 2022, Governor Stitt signed a bill into law requiring students at public charter schools and public schools to use locker rooms and bathrooms that match the sex listed on their birth certificate.

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: Stitt Rescinds Parole Decision for Jimmie Stohler

In 2022, Governor Stitt initially agreed to grant parole to Jimmie Stohler, the Crossbow Killer, after a recommendation from the Oklahoma Pardon and Parole Board, but later rescinded his decision.

2022: Stitt Signs Bill Prohibiting Nonbinary Gender Markers

In 2022, Kevin Stitt signed a bill into law that prohibited nonbinary gender markers on birth certificates, stating that "people are created by God to be male or female. There is no such thing as nonbinary sex."

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.

May 2023: Stitt Vetoes Funding for OETA

In May 2023, Kevin Stitt vetoed funding for Oklahoma's PBS network OETA, accusing it of broadcasting pro-LGBT content that "indoctrinat[es]" children.

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.

August 1, 2023: Stitt Issues Women's Bill of Rights

On August 1, 2023, Governor Stitt issued the Women's Bill of Rights by executive order, narrowly defining the words "male" and "female" to mean biological sex at birth.