Oklahoma Gazette owner Drew Williamson joins Oklahoma Memo’s Ryan Welton for a wide-ranging conversation about the people, money and controversies shaping Oklahoma’s 2026 elections.

Williamson explains why he believes Gentner Drummond may have gained momentum following the gubernatorial debate—and why Mike Mazzei’s decision to pour millions of borrowed dollars into his campaign represents such an extraordinary political gamble.

Ryan and Drew also examine the proposed aluminum smelter near Inola, growing public resistance to AI data centers, Oklahoma’s relationship with its tribal nations and Gov. Kevin Stitt’s apparent interest in national office.

Plus, they discuss whether Cyndi Munson could make the governor’s race competitive, Jena Nelson’s challenge to U.S. Rep. Stephanie Bice and the candidates competing to become Oklahoma’s next state superintendent.

The conversation also explores Williamson’s restoration of the Oklahoma Gazette, the return of its print edition and the publication’s role in Oklahoma’s arts, culture and political communities.

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Listen to Drew’s podcast:
Find Clowns Left, Jokers Right: Stuck in the Middle with Drew on Spotify for Williamson’s monthly conversations about Oklahoma politics from the “radical center.”

https://open.spotify.com/show/033yUB3GOF6eA1fCBGtAsr