Kevin Stitt launches gubernatorial campaign

CONSERVATIVE TULSA BUSINESSMAN ANNOUNCES CANDIDACY FOR 2018 GUBERNATORIAL CAMPAIGN

TULSA, OK – Conservative business leader Kevin Stitt officially entered the 2018 race for governor today with a promise to bring an outsider’s perspective and new energy to state government. Stitt promises to tackle Oklahoma’s problems head on.

Stitt, first-time candidate and pro-life advocate, is the founder and CEO of Gateway Mortgage Group (GMG).

“Over the last few years, I’ve watched our state struggle. A billion dollar budget deficit, many schools going to four-day weeks, and a state government that just doesn’t seem to work as well as it should. I’m not a politician, but I’m running for governor because I care deeply about our state and I want my children and your children to have a bright future here in Oklahoma.”

Stitt founded GMG in 2000 in Tulsa. GMG is one of the nation’s largest privately held mortgage companies and employs more than 1,100 people providing mortgage services in 40 states. Since 2012, GMG has been recognized 17 times for its success, growth and corporate culture. GMG is expected to originate more than $6 billion in mortgage loans this year, while its servicing portfolio will eclipse $14 billion. Approximately 100,000 customers are expected to receive mortgage services from GMG in 2017.

“I want an Oklahoma our citizens can be proud of. I want to see people flying the state flag again,” Stitt said. “I want our kids and grandkids to have a future right here at home.”

Stitt said his campaign would embrace a bold agenda focused on creating economic growth, ensuring schools have the resources they need to ensure every student receives a quality education and fixing a broken state government that hinders job creation and doesn’t work.

“As I travel the country visiting our Gateway offices, I see firsthand the momentum other states are getting. They are attracting and retaining good-paying jobs, they have a great infrastructure and have a modernizing state government,” Stitt said. “I don’t have all the answers, but I do have confidence in my fellow Oklahomans. I know we have the capacity to come together and solve our problems, no matter how great they seem.”

Stitt grew up in Norman. He received an accounting degree from Oklahoma State University. After moving to Tulsa, Stitt worked in the financial services sector before ultimately starting GMG. He and his wife, Sarah, have been married for 19 years and have six children. They attend Woodlake Church in Tulsa.

“Over the next year, I will be traveling the state constantly, talking to and learning from Oklahomans, because I know we have people in this state with the knowledge and the skills necessary to turn Oklahoma around."