Context:

The Oklahoma gubernatorial race is intensifying with a significant $1.6 million ad buy from a super PAC supporting Charles McCall, highlighting his 'America First' stance. McCall, a key Republican figure and the Oklahoma House Speaker, is leveraging his conservative record and alignment with former President Trump to bolster his campaign. The primary race sees McCall positioned as a frontrunner alongside Oklahoma Attorney General Gentner Drummond, who focuses on combating federal overreach. Tensions between Drummond and current Governor Kevin Stitt have been underscored by disputes over policy decisions, including a Supreme Court case on religious charter schools. As the Republican primary looms, McCall's campaign is buoyed by endorsements and his commitment to conservative policies, while Drummond faces scrutiny for certain political decisions, including supporting a Democrat party chair and delaying enforcement of a transgender surgery ban for minors.

Dive Deeper:

• A super PAC has made a strategic $1.6 million advertising investment to support Charles McCall, emphasizing his 'America First' credentials and his proven conservative record, as he runs for the Oklahoma governorship.

• Charles McCall's campaign is framed around his collaboration with Governor Kevin Stitt and former President Trump, advocating for a stronger Oklahoma rooted in conservative values, which aligns with the objectives of the Oklahoma Conservative Coalition.

• Gentner Drummond, the Oklahoma Attorney General, is also running for governor, pledging to fight against what he terms 'Biden Administration’s radical overreach' and maintain strong ties with Trump, though his campaign has faced criticism for certain political moves.

• The campaign terrain is marked by a significant legal and political dispute over a Supreme Court decision regarding public funding for a religious charter school, a conflict that has exacerbated tensions between Attorney General Drummond and Governor Stitt.

• Endorsements for McCall, including from the Conservative Political Action Conference, underline his commitment to conservative policies such as protecting American farmland, promoting school choice, and supporting pro-life legislation.

• Attorney General Drummond's gubernatorial bid is complicated by criticisms from McCall's campaign, particularly regarding his donation to a Democrat party chair and his role in delaying a ban on transgender surgeries for minors.

• The Oklahoma gubernatorial race is crucially positioned as a Republican stronghold, with the party's primary winner anticipated to have a strong chance of capturing the governorship in the upcoming general election.