Steve Metzer
Tulsa World Capitol Bureau Staff Writer
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OKLAHOMA CITY — Chip Keating, the son of former Republican Gov. Frank Keating, announced his entry Wednesday as a candidate for governor in next year’s election.
A former Oklahoma Highway Patrol trooper and state secretary of public safety, Keating also has had a private-sector career in the oil and gas industry.
The Republican, who was invited to speak during a meeting of the conservative OCPAC Foundation held in Oklahoma City, said he felt called to run for governor because he thought the state would benefit from a leader, like President Donald Trump, who hasn’t been a political insider.
“We need leadership that is tough, tough enough to meet our challenges straight on with conviction and resolve,” Keating said. “We can’t afford politics as usual, and the Oklahomans I talk to don’t want to turn the keys back over to career politicians.”
Keating said he was 15 at the time of the Oklahoma City bombing in 1995 and that it inspired him to embrace the Oklahoma Standard and later to sign on to become a Highway Patrol trooper. He eventually left that career for the private sector.
“I’ve signed paychecks. I’ve met payrolls. I’ve taken the risks of entrepreneurs,” he said.
Inspired to join Gov. Kevin Stitt’s administration as the secretary of public safety, he said he helped to guide the state through the turbulence of the national Black Lives Matter movement and violence that engulfed many cities.
“We kept Oklahoma safe. It wasn’t about politics or ego. It was about doing what was right and what I pledged to do back when I was a trooper,” he said. “Do what is right and do it without hesitation.”
Keating said the state and nation now face other threats that will require strong leadership.
“For heaven’s sake, we have cartels and foreign governments running marijuana grow operations in our backyard,” he said. “And we’re still dealing with the aftermath of the failed Joe Biden border policies.”
An advocate for parental school choice, he said he would be committed to improving education at all levels. He also pledged to address problems related to addiction, mental health issues and homelessness, which he described as “out of control.”
Other announced Republican candidates for governor include former House Speaker Charles McCall of Atoka, Attorney General Gentner Drummond of Hominy, former state Sen. Mike Mazzei of Tulsa, Leisa Mitchell Haynes of Choctaw, Kenneth Sturgell of Goldsby and former Sen. Jake Merrick of Tuttle. House Minority Leader Cyndi Munson of Oklahoma City is the only announced Democratic candidate for governor.
OCPAC President Bob Linn said the organization invites conservative leaders and candidates to speak at meetings and will not endorse a candidate.
steve.metzer@tulsaworld.com
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Steve Metzer
Tulsa World Capitol Bureau Staff Writer
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