Oklahoma Governor Kevin Stitt is hosting the National Governors Association meeting in Oklahoma City this weekend, a gathering that comes as he reflects on his year leading the organization and discusses his views on national politics and election integrity.
During his tenure as head of the National Governors Association, Stitt worked with governors from both parties and found common ground on many issues. He told The Associated Press that initial perceptions of opposing political parties can be misleading, stating, "But when I get in these roles and I meet the governor of Maryland and the governor of New York and these other governors, I realize that, literally, we're all Americans."
Stitt also addressed the administration of elections, asserting that election processes should remain a state-level responsibility. "I don’t think that we should federalize the elections at all. I believe that is a state issue. The states should control their own elections," he said. He emphasized the importance of ensuring fair elections and that only U.S. citizens vote, noting Oklahoma's requirement for notarized absentee ballots that must be received by Election Day, allowing for election results to be known shortly after polls close.
He recounted an instance where he pushed back against then-President Donald Trump when Trump initially sought to exclude two Democratic governors from a White House meeting. Stitt stated his position was that the meeting could not be considered a National Governors Association event if all governors were not invited. According to Stitt, Trump reversed course on excluding governors from the business meeting, though he did exclude some from a dinner. "I didn’t want to get on the bad side of the president. But we have a good working relationship," Stitt said.
When asked about the perceived increase in political division, Stitt pointed to the size and scope of the federal government. "I think one of the reasons the temperature’s so hard, so loud and divisive, is because of this one-size-fits-all, huge federal government," he stated. He advocated for a return to the founders' vision of distinct states with different values and philosophies, suggesting that acceptance of these differences could lower political tensions.
Looking ahead for the Republican Party, Stitt expressed hope for a renewed focus on fiscal responsibility, referencing the 1994 Contract with America and the balanced budget during the Clinton administration. He contrasted this with the current practice of continuing resolutions, questioning why Congress does not vote on a budget.
Stitt indicated that he plans to return to the private sector after completing his term as governor, and he did not specify any future political aspirations.