A Letter from Leisa Mitchell Haynes to Oklahoma

Dear Oklahomans,

Picture this: It’s a crisp fall evening, and the sun dips below the horizon, painting the plains with hues of gold and crimson. Families gather around dinner tables across our state, sharing stories of the day—some filled with triumph, others with challenges. In every corner of Oklahoma, from the bustling streets of Tulsa to the quiet fields of our rural heartlands, there’s a shared heartbeat: a longing for a future where we all thrive.

I’m Leisa Mitchell Haynes, and I’m running for Governor in 2026 because I believe that future isn’t just a dream – it’s a promise we can keep together.

I see Oklahoma woven with the strength of its people. You’re the ranchers who rise before dawn, the teachers shaping young minds, the nurses tending to our loved ones, and the kids dreaming big under wide-open skies. My campaign isn’t about me—it’s about you.

It’s about ensuring our roads carry you safely home, our schools lift your children to new heights, and our communities stand strong against any storm. I’m not here with empty words; I’m here with a vision rooted in the values we hold dear—faith, family, and the grit to get things done.

Imagine a state where your hard work pays off with jobs that don’t just pay the bills but build legacies. Picture neighborhoods where safety isn’t a luxury, but a given—where our law enforcement is supported, and crime is met with resolve.

Think of an Oklahoma where every family, whether in Jenks or the Panhandle, has access to healthcare that doesn’t break the bank, and where our kids learn not just to read and write, but to lead and innovate. This isn’t a fairy tale—it’s what I’m fighting for, inspired by the same divine spark that called me to serve when I was just a girl dreaming of making a difference.

I’ve walked your streets, prayed in your churches, and listened to your voices. I know the pride of our Native heritage, the pulse of our small towns, and the potential of our cities. As your Governor, I’ll be your partner—cracking down on trafficking that threatens our kids, bolstering our military bases to honor our heroes, and weaving a safety net that catches every Oklahoman in need. I’ll fight for better roads to connect us, for education that competes on a national stage, and for an economy that doesn’t leave anyone behind.

So, here’s my pledge to you: let’s build this Oklahoma together. Share your stories with me—your hopes, your struggles, your ideas. Let’s gather under this big sky and turn our shared vision into action.

In 2026, I’m not just asking for your vote; I’m asking for your trust to lead us toward a tomorrow where every family stands tall, every community shines, and Oklahoma isn’t just a place on the map—it’s a beacon of what’s possible.

With faith and determination,

Leisa Mitchell Haynes