Top Three Candidates Announced for Lieutenant Governor Debate Hosted by Tulsa Republican Club and Women For Tulsa
TULSA, Okla. (March 15, 2026) — The Tulsa Republican Club and Women For Tulsa today announced the top three qualifying candidates who will participate in the upcoming Republican Primary Debate for Lieutenant Governor scheduled for Tuesday, March 31 from 6:00-8:00 p.m.
The candidates who qualified to appear on the debate state are:
· Cindy Byrd
· Darrell Weaver
· JJ Humphrey
Former Oklahoma House Speaker T.W. Shannon qualified for the top three but declined to participate in the debate to prioritize fundraising.
Debate participation was determined based on independent polling and/or financial benchmarks, designed to ensure voters hear from the most competitive campaigns in the race.
“Open, respectful debate is essential to a healthy democracy,” said Christy Rawlings, President of Women For Tulsa.“Women For Tulsa is proud to partner in creating a space where voters can hear directly from candidates, learn about their priorities, and become more engaged in the decisions shaping Oklahoma’s future.”
“This debate will give voters an important opportunity to hear directly from candidates seeking to serve as Oklahoma’s next Lieutenant Governor,” said Charity Marcus, Chair of the Tulsa Republican Club. “Our goal is to provide a fair, informative forum where voters can compare the candidates’ visions for Oklahoma and make informed decisions ahead of the primary election.”
The debate will be moderated by KRMG Morning Host Skyler Cooper and will be held at the Campbell Hotel Event Center, 2636 E. 11th St., in Tulsa, Oklahoma. The debate will be live streamed on various media outlets for those who cannot attend.
The event is free and open to the public with advance registration. Organizers are also inviting citizens to submit questions that may be asked during the debate. Citizens can register to attend at https://tulsarepublicanclub.wildapricot.org/event-6605760
The Lieutenant Governor debate is part of a larger Republican Primary Debate Series hosted by the Tulsa Republican Club and Women For Tulsa featuring candidates running for statewide and local office ahead of Oklahoma’s June primary election.
Debate Schedule
Lt. Governor Debate — Tuesday, March 31 | 6:00–8:00 p.m.
Attorney General Debate — Friday, April 17 | 11:30 a.m.–1:00 p.m.
Tulsa County District Attorney Debate — Monday, April 20 | 6:00–8:00 p.m.
Gubernatorial Debate — Tuesday, May 5 | 6:00–8:00 p.m.
State Superintendent Debate — Tuesday, May 12 | 6:00–8:00 p.m.
About Tulsa Republican Club
The Tulsa Republican Club seeks to educate Republicans on current legislation, policies, issues and candidates; promote Republican values & conservative policies; and support the next generation of Republican leaders. Learn more at www.tulsarepublicanclub.com.
About Women For Tulsa
Women For Tulsa strives to make Tulsa a better place to live, work, and raise a family through advocacy, public policy education, civic involvement, and increased citizen participation in government. Learn more at www.womenfortulsa.org.
