Oklahoma Attorney General Gentner Drummond, who has announced he is running for governor in 2026, said this past week that Oklahoma has everything it needs to be great. 

“Oklahoma has the raw material to be a superstar state; we just need leadership willing to take risks,” he said. 

Drummond addressed 150 business and community leaders Tuesday at the Tulsa Regional Chamber’s OneVoice Day at the Capitol. Over breakfast, he said that for the state to move forward, it will have to overcome challenges such as organized crime, drug trafficking, tribal relations and an inadequate workforce. 

Drummond didn’t mince words about the impact of illegal marijuana operations in Oklahoma. When he took office as attorney general, he said the state had more than 12,000 marijuana-grow facilities, adding that only five were needed to meet consumer demand. His Organized Crime Task Force has worked aggressively to shut down illicit marijuana farms, many of which he said were tied to international crime syndicates. 

“We have closed 9,000 illegal operations,” Drummond said. “We are going after these criminals, and we are not stopping.” 

He warned of the fentanyl crisis, calling it an epidemic that has devastated families across the state. Today, half of the illicit pills circulating in Oklahoma contain fentanyl, he said. His office is working with law enforcement to disrupt supply chains and expand access to Narcan, a life-saving treatment for overdoses. 

Oklahoma’s tribal nations play a vital role in the state’s economy, and Drummond underscored the importance of fostering strong partnerships between the state and the tribes. He noted that tribal governments are critical economic drivers, investing in infrastructure, healthcare and job creation. 

“We need to find a way to partner with and harness the economic power of our tribal partners and stop treating them as ‘them,’” he said. “It is ‘we.’ We are on the same team.” 

Drummond reaffirmed his commitment to government transparency, citing his efforts to enforce Open Records Act laws across state agencies and his crackdown on public corruption. 

“It doesn’t matter how rich, powerful, or connected you are; if you break the law, you will be held accountable,” he said. 

Throughout his remarks, Drummond emphasized the role of business leaders in shaping Oklahoma’s future, encouraging collaboration between the public and private sectors to ensure a thriving economy, skilled workforce and safe communities. 

Workforce development was another major theme. Drummond emphasized the importance of early education and technical training, noting that Oklahoma must prioritize skilled trades to strengthen the economy. 

“We need more plumbers, welders, and electricians, not just highly educated baristas,” he said, reinforcing the importance of CareerTech partnerships that connect students with high-paying careers.