Early Life and Education of Kevin Stitt: A Complete Timeline

Discover the defining moments in the early life of Kevin Stitt. From birth to education, explore key events.

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

December 28, 1972: John Kevin Stitt Born

On December 28, 1972, John Kevin Stitt was born. He is an American businessman and politician who has served as the 28th governor of Oklahoma since 2019.

Others born on this day/year

June 1, 1998: Kevin Stitt married Sarah Hazen

On June 1, 1998, Kevin Stitt married Sarah Hazen. They subsequently had six children.

2000: Gateway Mortgage Founded

In 2000, Kevin Stitt and his wife Sarah Hazen founded Gateway Mortgage with "$1,000 and a computer". Stitt served as president and CEO.

2004: Oklahoma voters approved State Question 712

In 2004, Oklahoma voters approved State Question 712, adopting the Oklahoma State-Tribal Gaming Act, which allowed federally recognized Indian tribes to conduct commercial gambling within their territory in return for "exclusivity fees" to the state treasury.

2016: Oklahoma Voters Adopt State Question 780

In 2016, Oklahoma voters adopted State Question 780, changing the classification of simple drug possession crimes from felony to misdemeanor and increasing the cap for property crimes to be considered felonies.

July 2017: Stitt announced candidacy for governor

In July 2017, Kevin Stitt announced his candidacy for the Republican nomination for governor in 2018.

August 2018: Stitt Steps Down as Gateway CEO

In August 2018, after securing the Republican nomination, Kevin Stitt resigned from his position as CEO of Gateway, coinciding with the company's announcement of a merger with a state-licensed bank and pursuit of a banking license.

2018: Oklahoma Voters Approve State Question 788

In mid-2018, Oklahoma voters approved State Question 788, legalizing the licensed use, sale, and growth of marijuana for medical purposes.

January 14, 2019: Stitt Inaugurated as Governor of Oklahoma

On January 14, 2019, Kevin Stitt was inaugurated as the Governor of Oklahoma at the Oklahoma State Capitol.

May 2019: Stitt Proposes Criminal Justice Reforms

In May 2019, Governor Stitt proposed several criminal justice reform ideas, including making State Question 780's sentencing standards retroactive.

February 13, 2020: Stitt Lifts Moratorium on Executions

On February 13, 2020, Governor Kevin Stitt announced that the moratorium on state executions would be lifted, and executions would resume under his tenure.

2020: Stitt Forms Criminal Justice Reform Study Group

In response to legislative defeats, in 2020, Governor Stitt issued an executive order to form a study group to make recommendations for future criminal justice reform for consideration during the 2020 legislative session, with particular emphasis on reducing Oklahoma's incarceration rate.

January 2021: Stitt Files for Reelection

In January 2021, Kevin Stitt filed to run for reelection as governor of Oklahoma.

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.

November 18, 2021: Stitt Commutes Julius Jones' Death Sentence

On November 18, 2021, Governor Kevin Stitt commuted the death sentence of Julius Jones to life without the possibility of parole.

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.

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: 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."

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.

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.