Updated Lineup for Tulsa Republican Club and Women For Tulsa Lt. Governor Debate: Candidate Cindy Byrd withdrawals from Republican Primary Debate
Tulsa, Oklahoma (March 29, 2026) — The Tulsa Republican Club and Women for Tulsa announce that Lt. Governor candidate Cindy Byrd has withdrawn from the scheduled debate set for Tuesday, March 31, 2026, in Tulsa, Oklahoma.
Cindy Byrd notified event organizers late Friday night, just 3 days before the scheduled event, of her decision to withdraw from the debate. Her team citing the need to prioritize fundraising efforts during this critical phase of her campaign. With this announcement, Cindy is the second Lt. Governor candidate to decline/withdrawal from the debate to prioritize fundraising. Shannon, initially declined to participate to prioritize fundraising as well.
The Tulsa Republican Club and Women for Tulsa expressed disappointment with Byrd’s late withdrawal, noting that her participation had been highly anticipated by members and the broader community. Byrd and campaign team participated in the final debate-prep Zoom call Wednesday evening, giving no indication they were considering the drop. The late timing of the withdrawal—just days before the event—has created logistical challenges for organizers and disappointment among attendees. While the organizations respect the demands of a competitive statewide campaign, they underscored the vital importance of candidates engaging directly with voters through public forums and debates.
With Cindy Byrd’s withdrawal, the confirmed participants for the debate now include Senator Darrell Weaver and Representative J.J. Humphrey. Oklahoma voters will have the opportunity to hear directly from these candidates on a wide variety of issues.
The Tulsa Republican Club and Women for Tulsa remain committed to hosting a substantive and informative debate. The organizations look forward to sharing the candidates’ perspectives with the public and encourage all interested community members to attend and stay actively engaged in the conversation shaping Oklahoma’s leadership.
Debate Schedule
Lt. Governor Debate — Tuesday, March 31 | 6:00–8:00 p.m. (RSVP at https://tulsarepublicanclub.wildapricot.org/event-6605760)
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.
All debates will take place at the Campbell Hotel Event Center, 2636 E. 11th St., Tulsa.
All debates except the Attorney General debate are free and open to the public with pre-registration. The Attorney General debate will be a ticketed luncheon. Tickets will become available soon on the Tulsa Republican Club website.
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.
