Kevin Stitt
USAEarly Life and Education
Kevin Stitt was born and raised in Norman, Oklahoma. He earned a bachelor's degree in accounting from Oklahoma State University in Stillwater, where he worked his way through college by selling books for Southwestern Company.
Business Career
In 2000, Stitt founded Gateway Mortgage with just $1,000 and a single computer. By 2018, the company had grown to over 1,200 employees in 160 locations and had become one of the largest private mortgage lenders in the United States.
Political Career
Republican Primary RaceOn August 28, 2018, Stitt defeated former Oklahoma City Mayor Mick Cornett in a Republican primary runoff election. He spent heavily on his campaign, reportedly spending $6.5 million, of which $3.5 million came from personal loans.
Gubernatorial Election
On November 6, 2018, Stitt won the Oklahoma gubernatorial election with 54.3% of the vote, defeating Democratic candidate Drew Edmondson (42.2%). Stitt's running mate, Lieutenant Governor Matt Pinnel, received 61.9% of the vote, nearly doubling the total of his Democratic opponent, Anastasia Pittman.
Governorship
Stitt was sworn in as the 28th governor of Oklahoma on January 14, 2019. Since taking office, he has focused on economic development, education reform, and healthcare. He has also been an outspoken critic of government overreach and has advocated for individual liberty and limited government.
