Field seeking to run for Oklahoma governor grows to 5

OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) — The number of people planning to run for Oklahoma governor next year is continuing to grow, with two more candidates filing paperwork to seek the office.

Independent Paul Tay, a perennial political candidate from Tulsa, and Libertarian Natalie Bruno of Edmond both filed paperwork with the Oklahoma Ethics Commission indicating their plans to run. That brings to five the number of candidates seeking to run for governor in 2022, including incumbent Republican Kevin Stitt.

Democrat Connie Johnson of Oklahoma City and Republican Ervin Yen, both former state senators, previously announced plans to run.

The official filing period is in April, but candidates must file with the Oklahoma Ethics Commission to raise and spend money.