Leisa Mitchell Haynes

Leisa Mitchell Haynes, a Republican, is an Oklahoma native running for Governor in 2026. A former city manager in New Mexico, she emphasizes her background as a non-career politician and her lifelong aspiration to serve as governor. Her vision for Oklahoma includes strengthening infrastructure, reforming education by learning from top-performing states like New Jersey, and improving community well-being. She advocates for honoring tribal treaty rights, increasing public safety with more highway patrol, and implementing harsh penalties for sex trafficking and kidnapping offenses. She has experience in various sectors, including marketing, retail, and city management roles.