The commission oversees an industry that brings in more than $12 billion in visitor spending and supports over 109,000 jobs, according to the state. The lieutenant governor also serves on bodies involved in Native American cultural and education issues and state funding, and has a role in broadband access, Forbes said.

Shannon, a former Oklahoma House speaker, described Senate leadership and readiness to assume the governor’s duties as central responsibilities. He said his experience as a bank CEO, in the Legislature and as an adviser in the Trump administration would help him pursue economic development from the start.

Shannon said he would favor limited government and legislation grounded in what he called traditional Oklahoma values. “We don’t need more government. We don’t need more legislation moving forward,” he said, arguing for policies that bring Oklahomans together and grow the economy.

Forbes said she would approach the office by listening to constituents rather than being beholden to a political party. She said the lieutenant governor’s responsibilities include tourism and recreation, the Native American Cultural and Education Authority, the State Board of Equalization and broadband access.

“There is a seat for everyone at this table,” Forbes said, describing her goal of bringing people together and ensuring Oklahomans’ concerns are heard. She also said the office could use its public platform to speak up on issues such as education, saying she had not heard outgoing Lt. Gov. Matt Pinnell publicly address what was happening in the state’s schools.

Both candidates praised Pinnell’s focus on tourism and economic development while emphasizing that a new officeholder would bring different experience and priorities. Pinnell’s office was contacted for comment on the race and whether he plans to endorse a candidate; no response had been received at the time of the report.

Early voting is scheduled to begin Wednesday, Oct. 28, and continue through Saturday, Oct. 31.