Gov. Kevin Stitt instructed the state's banking agency to encourage financial institutions to accommodate federal employees not receiving a paycheck during the ongoing federal government shutdown.
"It could be a hardship for people and we need to work with them," said Stitt, who became governor Monday.
Stitt instructed the Oklahoma Banking Department to issue a letter to banks across the state asking them to show flexibility with federal workers who may be struggling to make a car or mortgage payment.
"Institutions should consider measures consistent with safe-and-sound lending practices, taking into account the long-term interest of the institution and customers," the Banking Department said in a letter to financial institutions. "We understand that accommodations may take the form of adjustments made to existing loans or the origination of new credit to support immediate cash flow needs."
The letter is only a recommendation and does not force banks to adjust their practices.
The partial government shutdown has lasted for more than three weeks as Democrats and the president disagree over border wall funding.
Stitt did not take a side in the debate, but encouraged federal lawmakers to get the disagreement fixed.
"They certainly need to get at the table and start negotiating," Stitt said. "We need to solve this problem and get the government back open again."
<figure><img src="//cdn2.newsok.biz/cache/r960-6d7a4b0dfa59607cf7134b6ac6869b02.jpg" alt="Photo - " title=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure><figure><img src="//cdn2.newsok.biz/cache/r960-cac93013de48d9be3569a7a3dd4dc091.jpg" alt="Photo - Gov. elect Kevin Stitt waves to members on the senate floor before the inauguration ceremony of new Oklahoma Gov. Kevin Stitt at the Oklahoma State Capitol in Oklahoma City, Okla. on Monday, Jan. 14, 2019. Photo by Chris Landsberger, The Oklahoma" title="Gov. elect Kevin Stitt waves to members on the senate floor before the inauguration ceremony of new Oklahoma Gov. Kevin Stitt at the Oklahoma State Capitol in Oklahoma City, Okla. on Monday, Jan. 14, 2019. Photo by Chris Landsberger, The Oklahoma"><figcaption>Gov. elect Kevin Stitt waves to members on the senate floor before the inauguration ceremony of new Oklahoma Gov. Kevin Stitt at the Oklahoma State Capitol in Oklahoma City, Okla. on Monday, Jan. 14, 2019. Photo by Chris Landsberger, The Oklahoma</figcaption></figure><figure><img src="//cdn2.newsok.biz/cache/r960-998579c4bb59202def5d92da4ebf2387.jpg" alt="Photo - Gov. elect Kevin Stitt arrives to the Blue Room before the inauguration ceremony of new Oklahoma Gov. Kevin Stitt at the Oklahoma State Capitol in Oklahoma City, Okla. on Monday, Jan. 14, 2019. Photo by Chris Landsberger, The Oklahoma" title="Gov. elect Kevin Stitt arrives to the Blue Room before the inauguration ceremony of new Oklahoma Gov. Kevin Stitt at the Oklahoma State Capitol in Oklahoma City, Okla. on Monday, Jan. 14, 2019. Photo by Chris Landsberger, The Oklahoma"><figcaption>Gov. elect Kevin Stitt arrives to the Blue Room before the inauguration ceremony of new Oklahoma Gov. Kevin Stitt at the Oklahoma State Capitol in Oklahoma City, Okla. on Monday, Jan. 14, 2019. Photo by Chris Landsberger, The Oklahoma</figcaption></figure><figure><img src="//cdn2.newsok.biz/cache/r960-e67c36a77532e6cfaa8bbda7afc6cf9e.jpg" alt="Photo - Gov. Kevin Stitt takes his oath of office as he is sworn in during the inauguration ceremony of new Oklahoma Gov. Kevin Stitt at the Oklahoma State Capitol in Oklahoma City, Okla. on Monday, Jan. 14, 2019. Photo by Chris Landsberger, The Oklahoma" title="Gov. Kevin Stitt takes his oath of office as he is sworn in during the inauguration ceremony of new Oklahoma Gov. Kevin Stitt at the Oklahoma State Capitol in Oklahoma City, Okla. on Monday, Jan. 14, 2019. Photo by Chris Landsberger, The Oklahoma"><figcaption>Gov. Kevin Stitt takes his oath of office as he is sworn in during the inauguration ceremony of new Oklahoma Gov. Kevin Stitt at the Oklahoma State Capitol in Oklahoma City, Okla. on Monday, Jan. 14, 2019. Photo by Chris Landsberger, The Oklahoma</figcaption></figure><figure><img src="//cdn2.newsok.biz/cache/r960-1ed317608c1ff8a65ce27600c75aa209.jpg" alt="Photo - Gov. Kevin Stitt shakes hands with former Gov. Mary Fallin during the inauguration ceremony of new Oklahoma Gov. Kevin Stitt at the Oklahoma State Capitol in Oklahoma City, Okla. on Monday, Jan. 14, 2019. Photo by Chris Landsberger, The Oklahoma" title="Gov. Kevin Stitt shakes hands with former Gov. Mary Fallin during the inauguration ceremony of new Oklahoma Gov. Kevin Stitt at the Oklahoma State Capitol in Oklahoma City, Okla. on Monday, Jan. 14, 2019. Photo by Chris Landsberger, The Oklahoma"><figcaption>Gov. Kevin Stitt shakes hands with former Gov. Mary Fallin during the inauguration ceremony of new Oklahoma Gov. Kevin Stitt at the Oklahoma State Capitol in Oklahoma City, Okla. on Monday, Jan. 14, 2019. Photo by Chris Landsberger, The Oklahoma</figcaption></figure><figure><img src="//cdn2.newsok.biz/cache/r960-3eeb8205bb6c5e85bc3c297744fd78f0.jpg" alt="Photo - Gov. Kevin Stitt kisses his wife Sarah after being sworn in during the inauguration ceremony of new Oklahoma Gov. Kevin Stitt at the Oklahoma State Capitol in Oklahoma City, Okla. on Monday, Jan. 14, 2019. Photo by Chris Landsberger, The Oklahoma" title="Gov. Kevin Stitt kisses his wife Sarah after being sworn in during the inauguration ceremony of new Oklahoma Gov. Kevin Stitt at the Oklahoma State Capitol in Oklahoma City, Okla. on Monday, Jan. 14, 2019. Photo by Chris Landsberger, The Oklahoma"><figcaption>Gov. Kevin Stitt kisses his wife Sarah after being sworn in during the inauguration ceremony of new Oklahoma Gov. Kevin Stitt at the Oklahoma State Capitol in Oklahoma City, Okla. on Monday, Jan. 14, 2019. Photo by Chris Landsberger, The Oklahoma</figcaption></figure><figure><img src="//cdn2.newsok.biz/cache/r960-de5a96b008d55aaa7766da29cb9201bb.jpg" alt="Photo - Gov. Kevin Stitt takes his oath of office as he is sworn in during the inauguration ceremony of new Oklahoma Gov. Kevin Stitt at the Oklahoma State Capitol in Oklahoma City, Okla. on Monday, Jan. 14, 2019. Photo by Chris Landsberger, The Oklahoma" title="Gov. Kevin Stitt takes his oath of office as he is sworn in during the inauguration ceremony of new Oklahoma Gov. Kevin Stitt at the Oklahoma State Capitol in Oklahoma City, Okla. on Monday, Jan. 14, 2019. Photo by Chris Landsberger, The Oklahoma"><figcaption>Gov. Kevin Stitt takes his oath of office as he is sworn in during the inauguration ceremony of new Oklahoma Gov. Kevin Stitt at the Oklahoma State Capitol in Oklahoma City, Okla. on Monday, Jan. 14, 2019. Photo by Chris Landsberger, The Oklahoma</figcaption></figure><figure><img src="//cdn2.newsok.biz/cache/r960-cf0063ec11e6d2c6b49eae2f3626d552.jpg" alt="Photo - Flyover during the inauguration ceremony of new Oklahoma Gov. Kevin Stitt at the Oklahoma State Capitol in Oklahoma City, Okla. on Monday, Jan. 14, 2019. Photo by Chris Landsberger, The Oklahoma" title="Flyover during the inauguration ceremony of new Oklahoma Gov. Kevin Stitt at the Oklahoma State Capitol in Oklahoma City, Okla. on Monday, Jan. 14, 2019. Photo by Chris Landsberger, The Oklahoma"><figcaption>Flyover during the inauguration ceremony of new Oklahoma Gov. Kevin Stitt at the Oklahoma State Capitol in Oklahoma City, Okla. on Monday, Jan. 14, 2019. Photo by Chris Landsberger, The Oklahoma</figcaption></figure><figure><img src="//cdn2.newsok.biz/cache/r960-65c15f01831f3d64ce4f28262de7c585.jpg" alt="Photo - Gov. elect Kevin Stitt, center, arrives with his family for his inauguration ceremony at the Oklahoma State Capitol in Oklahoma City, Okla. on Monday, Jan. 14, 2019. Photo by Chris Landsberger, The Oklahoman" title="Gov. elect Kevin Stitt, center, arrives with his family for his inauguration ceremony at the Oklahoma State Capitol in Oklahoma City, Okla. on Monday, Jan. 14, 2019. Photo by Chris Landsberger, The Oklahoman"><figcaption>Gov. elect Kevin Stitt, center, arrives with his family for his inauguration ceremony at the Oklahoma State Capitol in Oklahoma City, Okla. on Monday, Jan. 14, 2019. Photo by Chris Landsberger, The Oklahoman</figcaption></figure><figure><img src="//cdn2.newsok.biz/cache/r960-d327bc11cb21d80da48b13561cdd2298.jpg" alt="Photo - Gov. elect Kevin Stitt arrives with his family for his inauguration ceremony at the Oklahoma State Capitol in Oklahoma City, Okla. on Monday, Jan. 14, 2019. Photo by Chris Landsberger, The Oklahoman" title="Gov. elect Kevin Stitt arrives with his family for his inauguration ceremony at the Oklahoma State Capitol in Oklahoma City, Okla. on Monday, Jan. 14, 2019. Photo by Chris Landsberger, The Oklahoman"><figcaption>Gov. elect Kevin Stitt arrives with his family for his inauguration ceremony at the Oklahoma State Capitol in Oklahoma City, Okla. on Monday, Jan. 14, 2019. Photo by Chris Landsberger, The Oklahoman</figcaption></figure><figure><img src="//cdn2.newsok.biz/cache/r960-3b3b30f7189ac5a3023d43155a6a755b.jpg" alt="Photo - Gov. elect Kevin Stitt, walks with his daughter Katie, left, and Piper as he arrives with his family for his inauguration ceremony at the Oklahoma State Capitol in Oklahoma City, Okla. on Monday, Jan. 14, 2019. Photo by Chris Landsberger, The Oklahoman" title="Gov. elect Kevin Stitt, walks with his daughter Katie, left, and Piper as he arrives with his family for his inauguration ceremony at the Oklahoma State Capitol in Oklahoma City, Okla. on Monday, Jan. 14, 2019. Photo by Chris Landsberger, The Oklahoman"><figcaption>Gov. elect Kevin Stitt, walks with his daughter Katie, left, and Piper as he arrives with his family for his inauguration ceremony at the Oklahoma State Capitol in Oklahoma City, Okla. on Monday, Jan. 14, 2019. Photo by Chris Landsberger, The Oklahoman</figcaption></figure><figure><img src="//cdn2.newsok.biz/cache/r960-323f59889eabfbb113ed3b02d29819de.jpg" alt="Photo - Gov. elect Kevin Stitt leaves the House floor after greeting representatives before his inauguration ceremony at the Oklahoma State Capitol in Oklahoma City, Okla. on Monday, Jan. 14, 2019. Photo by Chris Landsberger, The Oklahoman" title="Gov. elect Kevin Stitt leaves the House floor after greeting representatives before his inauguration ceremony at the Oklahoma State Capitol in Oklahoma City, Okla. on Monday, Jan. 14, 2019. Photo by Chris Landsberger, The Oklahoman"><figcaption>Gov. elect Kevin Stitt leaves the House floor after greeting representatives before his inauguration ceremony at the Oklahoma State Capitol in Oklahoma City, Okla. on Monday, Jan. 14, 2019. Photo by Chris Landsberger, The Oklahoman</figcaption></figure><figure><img src="//cdn2.newsok.biz/cache/r960-1db9ffe6adbf093b715db23e5ec48b8b.jpg" alt="Photo - Gov. elect Kevin Stitt, walks up the stairs of the capitol for his inauguration ceremony at the Oklahoma State Capitol in Oklahoma City, Okla. on Monday, Jan. 14, 2019. Photo by Chris Landsberger, The Oklahoman" title="Gov. elect Kevin Stitt, walks up the stairs of the capitol for his inauguration ceremony at the Oklahoma State Capitol in Oklahoma City, Okla. on Monday, Jan. 14, 2019. Photo by Chris Landsberger, The Oklahoman"><figcaption>Gov. elect Kevin Stitt, walks up the stairs of the capitol for his inauguration ceremony at the Oklahoma State Capitol in Oklahoma City, Okla. on Monday, Jan. 14, 2019. Photo by Chris Landsberger, The Oklahoman</figcaption></figure><figure><img src="//cdn2.newsok.biz/cache/r960-82f5832cf8cd637d6080071bb6bb2b25.jpg" alt="Photo - Gov. elect Kevin Stitt, walks with his daughter Katie as he arrives with his family for his inauguration ceremony at the Oklahoma State Capitol in Oklahoma City, Okla. on Monday, Jan. 14, 2019. Photo by Chris Landsberger, The Oklahoman" title="Gov. elect Kevin Stitt, walks with his daughter Katie as he arrives with his family for his inauguration ceremony at the Oklahoma State Capitol in Oklahoma City, Okla. on Monday, Jan. 14, 2019. Photo by Chris Landsberger, The Oklahoman"><figcaption>Gov. elect Kevin Stitt, walks with his daughter Katie as he arrives with his family for his inauguration ceremony at the Oklahoma State Capitol in Oklahoma City, Okla. on Monday, Jan. 14, 2019. Photo by Chris Landsberger, The Oklahoman</figcaption></figure><figure><img src="//cdn2.newsok.biz/cache/r960-f2441580c3736f8becd42da971c1fb43.jpg" alt="Photo - Gov. elect Kevin Stitt shakes hands with Sen. Paul Rosino while on the Senate floor before Stitt's inauguration ceremony at the Oklahoma State Capitol in Oklahoma City, Okla. on Monday, Jan. 14, 2019. Photo by Chris Landsberger, The Oklahoman" title="Gov. elect Kevin Stitt shakes hands with Sen. Paul Rosino while on the Senate floor before Stitt's inauguration ceremony at the Oklahoma State Capitol in Oklahoma City, Okla. on Monday, Jan. 14, 2019. Photo by Chris Landsberger, The Oklahoman"><figcaption>Gov. elect Kevin Stitt shakes hands with Sen. Paul Rosino while on the Senate floor before Stitt's inauguration ceremony at the Oklahoma State Capitol in Oklahoma City, Okla. on Monday, Jan. 14, 2019. Photo by Chris Landsberger, The Oklahoman</figcaption></figure><figure><img src="//cdn2.newsok.biz/cache/r960-595a9633fb905f929aa525dd5b27acc6.jpg" alt="Photo - Gov. elect Kevin Stitt shakes hands with Sen. Larry Boggs and his wife Karla while on the Senate floor before Stitt's inauguration ceremony at the Oklahoma State Capitol in Oklahoma City, Okla. on Monday, Jan. 14, 2019. Photo by Chris Landsberger, The Oklahoman" title="Gov. elect Kevin Stitt shakes hands with Sen. Larry Boggs and his wife Karla while on the Senate floor before Stitt's inauguration ceremony at the Oklahoma State Capitol in Oklahoma City, Okla. on Monday, Jan. 14, 2019. Photo by Chris Landsberger, The Oklahoman"><figcaption>Gov. elect Kevin Stitt shakes hands with Sen. Larry Boggs and his wife Karla while on the Senate floor before Stitt's inauguration ceremony at the Oklahoma State Capitol in Oklahoma City, Okla. on Monday, Jan. 14, 2019. Photo by Chris Landsberger, The Oklahoman</figcaption></figure><figure><img src="//cdn2.newsok.biz/cache/r960-067044ba46f54b8e02eb6768cf31378e.jpg" alt="Photo - Gov. elect Kevin Stitt, walks with his daughter Piper, left, and Katie as he arrives with his family for his inauguration ceremony at the Oklahoma State Capitol in Oklahoma City, Okla. on Monday, Jan. 14, 2019. Photo by Chris Landsberger, The Oklahoman" title="Gov. elect Kevin Stitt, walks with his daughter Piper, left, and Katie as he arrives with his family for his inauguration ceremony at the Oklahoma State Capitol in Oklahoma City, Okla. on Monday, Jan. 14, 2019. Photo by Chris Landsberger, The Oklahoman"><figcaption>Gov. elect Kevin Stitt, walks with his daughter Piper, left, and Katie as he arrives with his family for his inauguration ceremony at the Oklahoma State Capitol in Oklahoma City, Okla. on Monday, Jan. 14, 2019. Photo by Chris Landsberger, The Oklahoman</figcaption></figure><figure><img src="//cdn2.newsok.biz/cache/r960-c08b1910ae32b10acbd5ff6f58ac8655.jpg" alt="Photo - Gov. elect Kevin Stitt greets supporters in the Blue Room before his inauguration ceremony at the Oklahoma State Capitol in Oklahoma City, Okla. on Monday, Jan. 14, 2019. Photo by Chris Landsberger, The Oklahoman" title="Gov. elect Kevin Stitt greets supporters in the Blue Room before his inauguration ceremony at the Oklahoma State Capitol in Oklahoma City, Okla. on Monday, Jan. 14, 2019. Photo by Chris Landsberger, The Oklahoman"><figcaption>Gov. elect Kevin Stitt greets supporters in the Blue Room before his inauguration ceremony at the Oklahoma State Capitol in Oklahoma City, Okla. on Monday, Jan. 14, 2019. Photo by Chris Landsberger, The Oklahoman</figcaption></figure><figure><img src="//cdn2.newsok.biz/cache/r960-cc884ef0071dcfe284fb85222865e517.jpg" alt="Photo - Gov. elect Kevin Stitt waves to the crowd as he walks down the south steps of the capitol for his inauguration ceremony at the Oklahoma State Capitol in Oklahoma City, Okla. on Monday, Jan. 14, 2019. Photo by Chris Landsberger, The Oklahoman" title="Gov. elect Kevin Stitt waves to the crowd as he walks down the south steps of the capitol for his inauguration ceremony at the Oklahoma State Capitol in Oklahoma City, Okla. on Monday, Jan. 14, 2019. Photo by Chris Landsberger, The Oklahoman"><figcaption>Gov. elect Kevin Stitt waves to the crowd as he walks down the south steps of the capitol for his inauguration ceremony at the Oklahoma State Capitol in Oklahoma City, Okla. on Monday, Jan. 14, 2019. Photo by Chris Landsberger, The Oklahoman</figcaption></figure><figure><img src="//cdn2.newsok.biz/cache/r960-c7ab766f47de6054b9a5e5151fc5ac63.jpg" alt="Photo - Gov. elect Kevin Stitt talks with Oklahoma City mayor David Holt, left, and Tulsa mayor G.T. Bynum before the start of Stitt's inauguration ceremony at the Oklahoma State Capitol in Oklahoma City, Okla. on Monday, Jan. 14, 2019. Photo by Chris Landsberger, The Oklahoman" title="Gov. elect Kevin Stitt talks with Oklahoma City mayor David Holt, left, and Tulsa mayor G.T. Bynum before the start of Stitt's inauguration ceremony at the Oklahoma State Capitol in Oklahoma City, Okla. on Monday, Jan. 14, 2019. Photo by Chris Landsberger, The Oklahoman"><figcaption>Gov. elect Kevin Stitt talks with Oklahoma City mayor David Holt, left, and Tulsa mayor G.T. Bynum before the start of Stitt's inauguration ceremony at the Oklahoma State Capitol in Oklahoma City, Okla. on Monday, Jan. 14, 2019. Photo by Chris Landsberger, The Oklahoman</figcaption></figure><figure><img src="//cdn2.newsok.biz/cache/r960-81c15a0d50d22a5a06871d0139c24f80.jpg" alt="Photo - Gov. Kevin Stitt, left, shakes hands with Sen. Roland Pederson during the a reception after Stitt's inauguration ceremony at the Oklahoma State Capitol in Oklahoma City, Okla. on Monday, Jan. 14, 2019. Photo by Chris Landsberger, The Oklahoman" title="Gov. Kevin Stitt, left, shakes hands with Sen. Roland Pederson during the a reception after Stitt's inauguration ceremony at the Oklahoma State Capitol in Oklahoma City, Okla. on Monday, Jan. 14, 2019. Photo by Chris Landsberger, The Oklahoman"><figcaption>Gov. Kevin Stitt, left, shakes hands with Sen. Roland Pederson during the a reception after Stitt's inauguration ceremony at the Oklahoma State Capitol in Oklahoma City, Okla. on Monday, Jan. 14, 2019. Photo by Chris Landsberger, The Oklahoman</figcaption></figure><figure><img src="//cdn2.newsok.biz/cache/r960-8a3a96b6c3e490a5da58eff58201078c.jpg" alt="Photo - Gov. Kevin Stitt gives his inaugural speech during his inauguration ceremony at the Oklahoma State Capitol in Oklahoma City, Okla. on Monday, Jan. 14, 2019. Photo by Chris Landsberger, The Oklahoman" title="Gov. Kevin Stitt gives his inaugural speech during his inauguration ceremony at the Oklahoma State Capitol in Oklahoma City, Okla. on Monday, Jan. 14, 2019. Photo by Chris Landsberger, The Oklahoman"><figcaption>Gov. Kevin Stitt gives his inaugural speech during his inauguration ceremony at the Oklahoma State Capitol in Oklahoma City, Okla. on Monday, Jan. 14, 2019. Photo by Chris Landsberger, The Oklahoman</figcaption></figure><figure><img src="//cdn2.newsok.biz/cache/r960-0a1d70a4bde134eafb4de7e9fbaac5f9.jpg" alt="Photo - Gov. Kevin Stitt, left, shakes hands with supporters during the a reception after Stitt's inauguration ceremony at the Oklahoma State Capitol in Oklahoma City, Okla. on Monday, Jan. 14, 2019. Photo by Chris Landsberger, The Oklahoman" title="Gov. Kevin Stitt, left, shakes hands with supporters during the a reception after Stitt's inauguration ceremony at the Oklahoma State Capitol in Oklahoma City, Okla. on Monday, Jan. 14, 2019. Photo by Chris Landsberger, The Oklahoman"><figcaption>Gov. Kevin Stitt, left, shakes hands with supporters during the a reception after Stitt's inauguration ceremony at the Oklahoma State Capitol in Oklahoma City, Okla. on Monday, Jan. 14, 2019. Photo by Chris Landsberger, The Oklahoman</figcaption></figure><figure><img src="//cdn2.newsok.biz/cache/r960-e228e091bcbc4bea684324b60aaec907.jpg" alt="Photo - Gov. Kevin Stitt gives his inaugural speech during his inauguration ceremony at the Oklahoma State Capitol in Oklahoma City, Okla. on Monday, Jan. 14, 2019. Photo by Chris Landsberger, The Oklahoman" title="Gov. Kevin Stitt gives his inaugural speech during his inauguration ceremony at the Oklahoma State Capitol in Oklahoma City, Okla. on Monday, Jan. 14, 2019. Photo by Chris Landsberger, The Oklahoman"><figcaption>Gov. Kevin Stitt gives his inaugural speech during his inauguration ceremony at the Oklahoma State Capitol in Oklahoma City, Okla. on Monday, Jan. 14, 2019. Photo by Chris Landsberger, The Oklahoman</figcaption></figure><figure><img src="//cdn2.newsok.biz/cache/r960-6ed67bbe0d94ef56dafcc85279269a2c.jpg" alt="Photo - Supporters line up to shake hands with Gov. Kevin Stitt during a reception after Stitt's inauguration ceremony at the Oklahoma State Capitol in Oklahoma City, Okla. on Monday, Jan. 14, 2019. Photo by Chris Landsberger, The Oklahoman" title="Supporters line up to shake hands with Gov. Kevin Stitt during a reception after Stitt's inauguration ceremony at the Oklahoma State Capitol in Oklahoma City, Okla. on Monday, Jan. 14, 2019. Photo by Chris Landsberger, The Oklahoman"><figcaption>Supporters line up to shake hands with Gov. Kevin Stitt during a reception after Stitt's inauguration ceremony at the Oklahoma State Capitol in Oklahoma City, Okla. on Monday, Jan. 14, 2019. Photo by Chris Landsberger, The Oklahoman</figcaption></figure><figure><img src="//cdn2.newsok.biz/cache/r960-a0c9f7378ad2b9ed8f9f827360750a9b.jpg" alt="Photo - Gov. elect Kevin Stitt, right, shakes hands with former Gov. Frank Keating before the start of Stitt's inauguration ceremony at the Oklahoma State Capitol in Oklahoma City, Okla. on Monday, Jan. 14, 2019. Photo by Chris Landsberger, The Oklahoman" title="Gov. elect Kevin Stitt, right, shakes hands with former Gov. Frank Keating before the start of Stitt's inauguration ceremony at the Oklahoma State Capitol in Oklahoma City, Okla. on Monday, Jan. 14, 2019. Photo by Chris Landsberger, The Oklahoman"><figcaption>Gov. elect Kevin Stitt, right, shakes hands with former Gov. Frank Keating before the start of Stitt's inauguration ceremony at the Oklahoma State Capitol in Oklahoma City, Okla. on Monday, Jan. 14, 2019. Photo by Chris Landsberger, The Oklahoman</figcaption></figure><figure><img src="//cdn2.newsok.biz/cache/r960-2325435711b1ad9006618ccac266ae93.jpg" alt="Photo - Gov. Kevin Stitt and wife, Sarah, place hands over their hearts as the the national anthem is played during the inauguration ceremony where he was sworn in as Oklahoma's 28th governor by Supreme Court Chief Justice Noma Gurich on Monday, Jan. 14, 2019. Photo by Jim Beckel, The Oklahoman. " title="Gov. Kevin Stitt and wife, Sarah, place hands over their hearts as the the national anthem is played during the inauguration ceremony where he was sworn in as Oklahoma's 28th governor by Supreme Court Chief Justice Noma Gurich on Monday, Jan. 14, 2019. Photo by Jim Beckel, The Oklahoman. "><figcaption>Gov. Kevin Stitt and wife, Sarah, place hands over their hearts as the the national anthem is played during the inauguration ceremony where he was sworn in as Oklahoma's 28th governor by Supreme Court Chief Justice Noma Gurich on Monday, Jan. 14, 2019. Photo by Jim Beckel, The Oklahoman. </figcaption></figure><figure><img src="//cdn2.newsok.biz/cache/r960-a7e91e8601c5cebbf168adfd9704e793.jpg" alt="Photo - Stran Talley, 8, laughs while sitting with his grandfather, Rep. John Talley as the pair wait for the inauguration ceremony for Kevin Stitt to begin. The elder Talley is beginning his first term in the House of Representatives, serving District 33. Stran is a third grade student at Sangre Elementary School in Stillwater. It was the first time for both Talleys to attend an inauguration. Stitt was sworn in as Oklahoma's 28th governor by Supreme Court Chief Justice Noma Gurich on Monday, Jan. 14, 2019. Photo by Jim Beckel, The Oklahoman. " title="Stran Talley, 8, laughs while sitting with his grandfather, Rep. John Talley as the pair wait for the inauguration ceremony for Kevin Stitt to begin. The elder Talley is beginning his first term in the House of Representatives, serving District 33. Stran is a third grade student at Sangre Elementary School in Stillwater. It was the first time for both Talleys to attend an inauguration. Stitt was sworn in as Oklahoma's 28th governor by Supreme Court Chief Justice Noma Gurich on Monday, Jan. 14, 2019. Photo by Jim Beckel, The Oklahoman. "><figcaption>Stran Talley, 8, laughs while sitting with his grandfather, Rep. John Talley as the pair wait for the inauguration ceremony for Kevin Stitt to begin. The elder Talley is beginning his first term in the House of Representatives, serving District 33. Stran is a third grade student at Sangre Elementary School in Stillwater. It was the first time for both Talleys to attend an inauguration. Stitt was sworn in as Oklahoma's 28th governor by Supreme Court Chief Justice Noma Gurich on Monday, Jan. 14, 2019. Photo by Jim Beckel, The Oklahoman. </figcaption></figure><figure><img src="//cdn2.newsok.biz/cache/r960-83c6dd7c86c3a6514fb1e266caa0a768.jpg" alt="Photo - Guests attended the outdoor inauguration ceremony for Kevin Stitt who was sworn in as Oklahoma's 28th governor by Supreme Court Chief Justice Noma Gurich on Monday, Jan. 14, 2019. Photo by Jim Beckel, The Oklahoman. " title="Guests attended the outdoor inauguration ceremony for Kevin Stitt who was sworn in as Oklahoma's 28th governor by Supreme Court Chief Justice Noma Gurich on Monday, Jan. 14, 2019. Photo by Jim Beckel, The Oklahoman. "><figcaption>Guests attended the outdoor inauguration ceremony for Kevin Stitt who was sworn in as Oklahoma's 28th governor by Supreme Court Chief Justice Noma Gurich on Monday, Jan. 14, 2019. Photo by Jim Beckel, The Oklahoman. </figcaption></figure><figure><img src="//cdn2.newsok.biz/cache/r960-4b786d6f584bb134c00cd22294f95aa8.jpg" alt="Photo - Stran Talley, 8, grins while sitting between his grandfather, Rep. John Talley, right, and retired Oklahoma Highway Patrol Trooper Stewart Meyer as they wait for inauguration ceremony for Kevin Stitt to begin. The elder Talley is beginning his first term in the House of Representatives, serving District 33. Stran is a third grade student at Sangre Elementary School in Stillwater. It was the first time for both Talleys to attend an inauguration. Stitt was sworn in as Oklahoma's 28th governor by Supreme Court Chief Justice Noma Gurich on Monday, Jan. 14, 2019. Photo by Jim Beckel, The Oklahoman. " title="Stran Talley, 8, grins while sitting between his grandfather, Rep. John Talley, right, and retired Oklahoma Highway Patrol Trooper Stewart Meyer as they wait for inauguration ceremony for Kevin Stitt to begin. The elder Talley is beginning his first term in the House of Representatives, serving District 33. Stran is a third grade student at Sangre Elementary School in Stillwater. It was the first time for both Talleys to attend an inauguration. Stitt was sworn in as Oklahoma's 28th governor by Supreme Court Chief Justice Noma Gurich on Monday, Jan. 14, 2019. Photo by Jim Beckel, The Oklahoman. "><figcaption>Stran Talley, 8, grins while sitting between his grandfather, Rep. John Talley, right, and retired Oklahoma Highway Patrol Trooper Stewart Meyer as they wait for inauguration ceremony for Kevin Stitt to begin. The elder Talley is beginning his first term in the House of Representatives, serving District 33. Stran is a third grade student at Sangre Elementary School in Stillwater. It was the first time for both Talleys to attend an inauguration. Stitt was sworn in as Oklahoma's 28th governor by Supreme Court Chief Justice Noma Gurich on Monday, Jan. 14, 2019. Photo by Jim Beckel, The Oklahoman. </figcaption></figure><figure><img src="//cdn2.newsok.biz/cache/r960-27fc3e50fbd9f4abfba9a25fcec37484.jpg" alt="Photo - Gov. Brad Henry and his wife, Kim, stand and wave as former Oklahoma governors are introduced on the platform before Kevin Stitt would follow in their footsteps and be sworn in to become Oklahoma's 28th governor on Monday, Jan. 14, 2019. Photo by Jim Beckel, The Oklahoman. " title="Gov. Brad Henry and his wife, Kim, stand and wave as former Oklahoma governors are introduced on the platform before Kevin Stitt would follow in their footsteps and be sworn in to become Oklahoma's 28th governor on Monday, Jan. 14, 2019. Photo by Jim Beckel, The Oklahoman. "><figcaption>Gov. Brad Henry and his wife, Kim, stand and wave as former Oklahoma governors are introduced on the platform before Kevin Stitt would follow in their footsteps and be sworn in to become Oklahoma's 28th governor on Monday, Jan. 14, 2019. Photo by Jim Beckel, The Oklahoman. </figcaption></figure><figure><img src="//cdn2.newsok.biz/cache/r960-7265ca8457b9a3509e3f658456d35012.jpg" alt="Photo - With his wife, Sarah, holding a Bible, Kevin Stitt is sworn in as Oklahoma's 28th governor by Supreme Court Chief Justice Noma Gurich on Monday, Jan. 14, 2019. Photo by Jim Beckel, The Oklahoman. " title="With his wife, Sarah, holding a Bible, Kevin Stitt is sworn in as Oklahoma's 28th governor by Supreme Court Chief Justice Noma Gurich on Monday, Jan. 14, 2019. Photo by Jim Beckel, The Oklahoman. "><figcaption>With his wife, Sarah, holding a Bible, Kevin Stitt is sworn in as Oklahoma's 28th governor by Supreme Court Chief Justice Noma Gurich on Monday, Jan. 14, 2019. Photo by Jim Beckel, The Oklahoman. </figcaption></figure><figure><img src="//cdn2.newsok.biz/cache/r960-e921fecfea3356b4239755cd7458b23c.jpg" alt="Photo - Gov. Kevin Stitt goes to each of his children and gives them a kiss and a hug after he took the oath of office to become Oklahoma's 28th governor on Monday, Jan. 14, 2019. The new governor is shown kissing the head of Remington, 8. Other children in photo are Piper, 11; Katie, 12; Houston, 4; Drew, 16, and Natalie, 18. In background wearing hat is former Gov. Frank Keating. Photo by Jim Beckel, The Oklahoman. " title="Gov. Kevin Stitt goes to each of his children and gives them a kiss and a hug after he took the oath of office to become Oklahoma's 28th governor on Monday, Jan. 14, 2019. The new governor is shown kissing the head of Remington, 8. Other children in photo are Piper, 11; Katie, 12; Houston, 4; Drew, 16, and Natalie, 18. In background wearing hat is former Gov. Frank Keating. Photo by Jim Beckel, The Oklahoman. "><figcaption>Gov. Kevin Stitt goes to each of his children and gives them a kiss and a hug after he took the oath of office to become Oklahoma's 28th governor on Monday, Jan. 14, 2019. The new governor is shown kissing the head of Remington, 8. Other children in photo are Piper, 11; Katie, 12; Houston, 4; Drew, 16, and Natalie, 18. In background wearing hat is former Gov. Frank Keating. Photo by Jim Beckel, The Oklahoman. </figcaption></figure><figure><img src="//cdn2.newsok.biz/cache/r960-a490e96b661954f62c6c2e72f2012915.jpg" alt="Photo - Gov. Kevin Stitt acknowledges the applause from the crowd after he took the oath of office to become Oklahoma's 28th governor on Monday, Jan. 14, 2019. At left is his wife, Sarah. Behind her are former Gov. Brad Henry and his wife, Kim. Photo by Jim Beckel, The Oklahoman. " title="Gov. Kevin Stitt acknowledges the applause from the crowd after he took the oath of office to become Oklahoma's 28th governor on Monday, Jan. 14, 2019. At left is his wife, Sarah. Behind her are former Gov. Brad Henry and his wife, Kim. Photo by Jim Beckel, The Oklahoman. "><figcaption>Gov. Kevin Stitt acknowledges the applause from the crowd after he took the oath of office to become Oklahoma's 28th governor on Monday, Jan. 14, 2019. At left is his wife, Sarah. Behind her are former Gov. Brad Henry and his wife, Kim. Photo by Jim Beckel, The Oklahoman. </figcaption></figure><figure><img src="//cdn2.newsok.biz/cache/r960-1bebaf1a183c881446697aa341db532f.jpg" alt="Photo - Gov. Kevin Stitt delivers his inaugural speech during the ceremony where he was sworn in as Oklahoma's 28th governor by Supreme Court Chief Justice Noma Gurich on Monday, Jan. 14, 2019. Photo by Jim Beckel, The Oklahoman. " title="Gov. Kevin Stitt delivers his inaugural speech during the ceremony where he was sworn in as Oklahoma's 28th governor by Supreme Court Chief Justice Noma Gurich on Monday, Jan. 14, 2019. Photo by Jim Beckel, The Oklahoman. "><figcaption>Gov. Kevin Stitt delivers his inaugural speech during the ceremony where he was sworn in as Oklahoma's 28th governor by Supreme Court Chief Justice Noma Gurich on Monday, Jan. 14, 2019. Photo by Jim Beckel, The Oklahoman. </figcaption></figure><figure><img src="//cdn2.newsok.biz/cache/r960-53bc91eff97343c7c2bf2733e433eb23.jpg" alt="Photo - Lisa Pinnell holds a Bible as her husband, Matt Pinnell is sworn in as Lt. Governor during the inauguration ceremony where Kevin Stitt was sworn in as Oklahoma's 28th governor by Supreme Court Chief Justice Noma Gurich on Monday, Jan. 14, 2019. Photo by Jim Beckel, The Oklahoman. " title="Lisa Pinnell holds a Bible as her husband, Matt Pinnell is sworn in as Lt. Governor during the inauguration ceremony where Kevin Stitt was sworn in as Oklahoma's 28th governor by Supreme Court Chief Justice Noma Gurich on Monday, Jan. 14, 2019. Photo by Jim Beckel, The Oklahoman. "><figcaption>Lisa Pinnell holds a Bible as her husband, Matt Pinnell is sworn in as Lt. Governor during the inauguration ceremony where Kevin Stitt was sworn in as Oklahoma's 28th governor by Supreme Court Chief Justice Noma Gurich on Monday, Jan. 14, 2019. Photo by Jim Beckel, The Oklahoman. </figcaption></figure><figure><img src="//cdn2.newsok.biz/cache/r960-3b50b121495dfc67c548f4198e605faf.jpg" alt="Photo - Gov. Kevin Stitt and his wife, Sarah, smile when they see familiar faces in the crowd from their seats on the platform at the inauguration ceremony where he was sworn in as Oklahoma's 28th governor by Supreme Court Chief Justice Noma Gurich on Monday, Jan. 14, 2019. Photo by Jim Beckel, The Oklahoman. " title="Gov. Kevin Stitt and his wife, Sarah, smile when they see familiar faces in the crowd from their seats on the platform at the inauguration ceremony where he was sworn in as Oklahoma's 28th governor by Supreme Court Chief Justice Noma Gurich on Monday, Jan. 14, 2019. Photo by Jim Beckel, The Oklahoman. "><figcaption>Gov. Kevin Stitt and his wife, Sarah, smile when they see familiar faces in the crowd from their seats on the platform at the inauguration ceremony where he was sworn in as Oklahoma's 28th governor by Supreme Court Chief Justice Noma Gurich on Monday, Jan. 14, 2019. Photo by Jim Beckel, The Oklahoman. </figcaption></figure><figure><img src="//cdn2.newsok.biz/cache/r960-2e730ab3548568f10ea75ae485d6bc5c.jpg" alt="Photo - Gov. Kevin Stitt and wife, Sarah, look at faces in the crowd as they are seated with their children on the platform for the inauguration ceremony where he was sworn in as Oklahoma's 28th governor by Supreme Court Chief Justice Noma Gurich on Monday, Jan. 14, 2019. At far left is daughter, Natalie, 18. Photo by Jim Beckel, The Oklahoman. " title="Gov. Kevin Stitt and wife, Sarah, look at faces in the crowd as they are seated with their children on the platform for the inauguration ceremony where he was sworn in as Oklahoma's 28th governor by Supreme Court Chief Justice Noma Gurich on Monday, Jan. 14, 2019. At far left is daughter, Natalie, 18. Photo by Jim Beckel, The Oklahoman. "><figcaption>Gov. Kevin Stitt and wife, Sarah, look at faces in the crowd as they are seated with their children on the platform for the inauguration ceremony where he was sworn in as Oklahoma's 28th governor by Supreme Court Chief Justice Noma Gurich on Monday, Jan. 14, 2019. At far left is daughter, Natalie, 18. Photo by Jim Beckel, The Oklahoman. </figcaption></figure><figure><img src="//cdn2.newsok.biz/cache/r960-3bb114967b7ee0e940770ea6ba69ac99.jpg" alt="Photo - People in the crowd dressed for cold temperatures when they attended outdoor inauguration ceremony for Kevin Stitt who was sworn in as Oklahoma's 28th governor by Supreme Court Chief Justice Noma Gurich on Monday, Jan. 14, 2019. Photo by Jim Beckel, The Oklahoman. " title="People in the crowd dressed for cold temperatures when they attended outdoor inauguration ceremony for Kevin Stitt who was sworn in as Oklahoma's 28th governor by Supreme Court Chief Justice Noma Gurich on Monday, Jan. 14, 2019. Photo by Jim Beckel, The Oklahoman. "><figcaption>People in the crowd dressed for cold temperatures when they attended outdoor inauguration ceremony for Kevin Stitt who was sworn in as Oklahoma's 28th governor by Supreme Court Chief Justice Noma Gurich on Monday, Jan. 14, 2019. Photo by Jim Beckel, The Oklahoman. </figcaption></figure><figure><img src="//cdn2.newsok.biz/cache/r960-dd42ddabd4f1f599f78b1b6feb54441e.jpg" alt="Photo - Former Gov. Frank Keating waves to other former governors on stage as he arrives at his chair with his wife, Cathy, to attend the inauguration ceremony for Kevin Stitt who was sworn in as Oklahoma's 28th governor by Supreme Court Chief Justice Noma Gurich on Monday, Jan. 14, 2019. Photo by Jim Beckel, The Oklahoman. " title="Former Gov. Frank Keating waves to other former governors on stage as he arrives at his chair with his wife, Cathy, to attend the inauguration ceremony for Kevin Stitt who was sworn in as Oklahoma's 28th governor by Supreme Court Chief Justice Noma Gurich on Monday, Jan. 14, 2019. Photo by Jim Beckel, The Oklahoman. "><figcaption>Former Gov. Frank Keating waves to other former governors on stage as he arrives at his chair with his wife, Cathy, to attend the inauguration ceremony for Kevin Stitt who was sworn in as Oklahoma's 28th governor by Supreme Court Chief Justice Noma Gurich on Monday, Jan. 14, 2019. Photo by Jim Beckel, The Oklahoman. </figcaption></figure><figure><img src="//cdn2.newsok.biz/cache/r960-8119d48d5dc5a7a0132708a8524fac90.jpg" alt="Photo - Gov. Kevin Stitt and wife, Sarah, place hands over their hearts as the the national anthem is played during the inauguration ceremony where he was sworn in as Oklahoma's 28th governor by Supreme Court Chief Justice Noma Gurich on Monday, Jan. 14, 2019. Photo by Jim Beckel, The Oklahoman. " title="Gov. Kevin Stitt and wife, Sarah, place hands over their hearts as the the national anthem is played during the inauguration ceremony where he was sworn in as Oklahoma's 28th governor by Supreme Court Chief Justice Noma Gurich on Monday, Jan. 14, 2019. Photo by Jim Beckel, The Oklahoman. "><figcaption>Gov. Kevin Stitt and wife, Sarah, place hands over their hearts as the the national anthem is played during the inauguration ceremony where he was sworn in as Oklahoma's 28th governor by Supreme Court Chief Justice Noma Gurich on Monday, Jan. 14, 2019. Photo by Jim Beckel, The Oklahoman. </figcaption></figure><figure><img src="//cdn2.newsok.biz/cache/r960-2913e9a0d68c4dfd52836b1d1bffc0a9.jpg" alt="Photo - Oklahoma City Mayor David Holt and wife, Rachel are escorted to their seats on the platform where they attended inauguration ceremony where Kevin Stitt was sworn in as Oklahoma's 28th governor by Supreme Court Chief Justice Noma Gurich on Monday, Jan. 14, 2019. Behind the couple is J. D. Baker, special assistant to the mayor. Photo by Jim Beckel, The Oklahoman. " title="Oklahoma City Mayor David Holt and wife, Rachel are escorted to their seats on the platform where they attended inauguration ceremony where Kevin Stitt was sworn in as Oklahoma's 28th governor by Supreme Court Chief Justice Noma Gurich on Monday, Jan. 14, 2019. Behind the couple is J. D. Baker, special assistant to the mayor. Photo by Jim Beckel, The Oklahoman. "><figcaption>Oklahoma City Mayor David Holt and wife, Rachel are escorted to their seats on the platform where they attended inauguration ceremony where Kevin Stitt was sworn in as Oklahoma's 28th governor by Supreme Court Chief Justice Noma Gurich on Monday, Jan. 14, 2019. Behind the couple is J. D. Baker, special assistant to the mayor. Photo by Jim Beckel, The Oklahoman. </figcaption></figure><figure><img src="//cdn2.newsok.biz/cache/r960-08272d203f1d91949b642c84567aed4e.jpg" alt="Photo - Esther Sloup, a Rose State College student, in her apartment located on campus on Friday, Jan. 4, 2019. Photo by Jim Beckel, The Oklahoman. " title="Esther Sloup, a Rose State College student, in her apartment located on campus on Friday, Jan. 4, 2019. Photo by Jim Beckel, The Oklahoman. "><figcaption>Esther Sloup, a Rose State College student, in her apartment located on campus on Friday, Jan. 4, 2019. Photo by Jim Beckel, The Oklahoman. </figcaption></figure><figure><img src="//cdn2.newsok.biz/cache/r960-bf1ac54a1dfb12236fdb796c0ab1a640.jpg" alt="Photo - Gov. Kevin Stitt delivers his inaugural speech during the ceremony where he was sworn in as Oklahoma's 28th governor by Supreme Court Chief Justice Noma Gurich on Monday, Jan. 14, 2019. Photo by Jim Beckel, The Oklahoman. " title="Gov. Kevin Stitt delivers his inaugural speech during the ceremony where he was sworn in as Oklahoma's 28th governor by Supreme Court Chief Justice Noma Gurich on Monday, Jan. 14, 2019. Photo by Jim Beckel, The Oklahoman. "><figcaption>Gov. Kevin Stitt delivers his inaugural speech during the ceremony where he was sworn in as Oklahoma's 28th governor by Supreme Court Chief Justice Noma Gurich on Monday, Jan. 14, 2019. Photo by Jim Beckel, The Oklahoman. </figcaption></figure><figure><img src="//cdn2.newsok.biz/cache/r960-6d7a4b0dfa59607cf7134b6ac6869b02.jpg" alt="Photo - Gov. Kevin Stitt delivers his inaugural speech during the ceremony where he was sworn in as Oklahoma's 28th governor by Supreme Court Chief Justice Noma Gurich on Monday, Jan. 14, 2019. Photo by Jim Beckel, The Oklahoman. " title="Gov. Kevin Stitt delivers his inaugural speech during the ceremony where he was sworn in as Oklahoma's 28th governor by Supreme Court Chief Justice Noma Gurich on Monday, Jan. 14, 2019. Photo by Jim Beckel, The Oklahoman. "><figcaption>Gov. Kevin Stitt delivers his inaugural speech during the ceremony where he was sworn in as Oklahoma's 28th governor by Supreme Court Chief Justice Noma Gurich on Monday, Jan. 14, 2019. Photo by Jim Beckel, The Oklahoman. </figcaption></figure><figure><img src="//cdn2.newsok.biz/cache/r960-4e20ee3b948494ee9d8e879e70b3d42a.jpg" alt="Photo - Gov. Kevin Stitt hugs wife, Sarah, after delivering his speech during the inauguration ceremony where he was sworn in as Oklahoma's 28th governor by Supreme Court Chief Justice Noma Gurich on Monday, Jan. 14, 2019. At far left is daughter, Natalie, 18. In background, center, is former First Lady Kim Henry, wife of former Gov. Brad Henry. Photo by Jim Beckel, The Oklahoman. " title="Gov. Kevin Stitt hugs wife, Sarah, after delivering his speech during the inauguration ceremony where he was sworn in as Oklahoma's 28th governor by Supreme Court Chief Justice Noma Gurich on Monday, Jan. 14, 2019. At far left is daughter, Natalie, 18. In background, center, is former First Lady Kim Henry, wife of former Gov. Brad Henry. Photo by Jim Beckel, The Oklahoman. "><figcaption>Gov. Kevin Stitt hugs wife, Sarah, after delivering his speech during the inauguration ceremony where he was sworn in as Oklahoma's 28th governor by Supreme Court Chief Justice Noma Gurich on Monday, Jan. 14, 2019. At far left is daughter, Natalie, 18. In background, center, is former First Lady Kim Henry, wife of former Gov. Brad Henry. Photo by Jim Beckel, The Oklahoman. </figcaption></figure><figure><img src="//cdn2.newsok.biz/cache/r960-30b59191fc0dc861746d45611f06124a.jpg" alt="Photo - A large crowd attend inauguration ceremony to see Gov. Kevin Stitt sworn in as Oklahoma's 28th governor by Supreme Court Chief Justice Noma Gurich on Monday, Jan. 14, 2019. Photo by Jim Beckel, The Oklahoman. " title="A large crowd attend inauguration ceremony to see Gov. Kevin Stitt sworn in as Oklahoma's 28th governor by Supreme Court Chief Justice Noma Gurich on Monday, Jan. 14, 2019. Photo by Jim Beckel, The Oklahoman. "><figcaption>A large crowd attend inauguration ceremony to see Gov. Kevin Stitt sworn in as Oklahoma's 28th governor by Supreme Court Chief Justice Noma Gurich on Monday, Jan. 14, 2019. Photo by Jim Beckel, The Oklahoman. </figcaption></figure><figure><img src="//cdn2.newsok.biz/cache/r960-b4daa74528f51d16b447d4eccce3043f.jpg" alt="Photo - Gov. Kevin Stitt with his wife, Sarah, and their six children, on the platform with other elected officials and dignitaries during the invocation and posting of the colors at the beginning of the inauguration ceremony where he was sworn in as Oklahoma's 28th governor by Supreme Court Chief Justice Noma Gurich on Monday, Jan. 14, 2019. Photo by Jim Beckel, The Oklahoman. " title="Gov. Kevin Stitt with his wife, Sarah, and their six children, on the platform with other elected officials and dignitaries during the invocation and posting of the colors at the beginning of the inauguration ceremony where he was sworn in as Oklahoma's 28th governor by Supreme Court Chief Justice Noma Gurich on Monday, Jan. 14, 2019. Photo by Jim Beckel, The Oklahoman. "><figcaption>Gov. Kevin Stitt with his wife, Sarah, and their six children, on the platform with other elected officials and dignitaries during the invocation and posting of the colors at the beginning of the inauguration ceremony where he was sworn in as Oklahoma's 28th governor by Supreme Court Chief Justice Noma Gurich on Monday, Jan. 14, 2019. Photo by Jim Beckel, The Oklahoman. </figcaption></figure><figure><img src="//cdn2.newsok.biz/cache/r960-c9b30ee67a819c1974069c4e26ddf48e.jpg" alt="Photo - Gov. Kevin Stitt and wife, Sarah, pause at the top of the stairs on the south side of the state Capitol to wave to the crowd as they leave the inauguration ceremony where he was sworn in as Oklahoma's 28th governor by Supreme Court Chief Justice Noma Gurich on Monday, Jan. 14, 2019. Photo by Jim Beckel, The Oklahoman. " title="Gov. Kevin Stitt and wife, Sarah, pause at the top of the stairs on the south side of the state Capitol to wave to the crowd as they leave the inauguration ceremony where he was sworn in as Oklahoma's 28th governor by Supreme Court Chief Justice Noma Gurich on Monday, Jan. 14, 2019. Photo by Jim Beckel, The Oklahoman. "><figcaption>Gov. Kevin Stitt and wife, Sarah, pause at the top of the stairs on the south side of the state Capitol to wave to the crowd as they leave the inauguration ceremony where he was sworn in as Oklahoma's 28th governor by Supreme Court Chief Justice Noma Gurich on Monday, Jan. 14, 2019. Photo by Jim Beckel, The Oklahoman. </figcaption></figure><figure><img src="//cdn2.newsok.biz/cache/r960-878fa52429e2736ea192823089ebaacc.jpg" alt="Photo - Former Oklahoma Gov. David Walters talks to former First Lady Cathy Keating while seated on the platform where they attended inauguration ceremony for Kevin Stitt who was sworn in as Oklahoma's 28th governor by Supreme Court Chief Justice Noma Gurich on Monday, Jan. 14, 2019. Keating is wife of former Gov. Frank Keating. Photo by Jim Beckel, The Oklahoman. " title="Former Oklahoma Gov. David Walters talks to former First Lady Cathy Keating while seated on the platform where they attended inauguration ceremony for Kevin Stitt who was sworn in as Oklahoma's 28th governor by Supreme Court Chief Justice Noma Gurich on Monday, Jan. 14, 2019. Keating is wife of former Gov. Frank Keating. Photo by Jim Beckel, The Oklahoman. "><figcaption>Former Oklahoma Gov. David Walters talks to former First Lady Cathy Keating while seated on the platform where they attended inauguration ceremony for Kevin Stitt who was sworn in as Oklahoma's 28th governor by Supreme Court Chief Justice Noma Gurich on Monday, Jan. 14, 2019. Keating is wife of former Gov. Frank Keating. Photo by Jim Beckel, The Oklahoman. </figcaption></figure><figure><img src="//cdn2.newsok.biz/cache/r960-dbf38056c97f20b80dd0104fcceb988e.jpg" alt="Photo - Former Gov. George Nigh and wife, Donna, stand as they are introduced to the crowd while attending the inauguration ceremony for Kevin Stitt who was sworn in as Oklahoma's 28th governor by Supreme Court Chief Justice Noma Gurich on Monday, Jan. 14, 2019. Photo by Jim Beckel, The Oklahoman. " title="Former Gov. George Nigh and wife, Donna, stand as they are introduced to the crowd while attending the inauguration ceremony for Kevin Stitt who was sworn in as Oklahoma's 28th governor by Supreme Court Chief Justice Noma Gurich on Monday, Jan. 14, 2019. Photo by Jim Beckel, The Oklahoman. "><figcaption>Former Gov. George Nigh and wife, Donna, stand as they are introduced to the crowd while attending the inauguration ceremony for Kevin Stitt who was sworn in as Oklahoma's 28th governor by Supreme Court Chief Justice Noma Gurich on Monday, Jan. 14, 2019. Photo by Jim Beckel, The Oklahoman. </figcaption></figure><figure><img src="//cdn2.newsok.biz/cache/r960-5c87ba36a473879150d4f6ffcb8525fb.jpg" alt="Photo - A large crowd attends the inauguration ceremony for Kevin Stitt who was sworn in as Oklahoma's 28th governor by Supreme Court Chief Justice Noma Gurich on Monday, Jan. 14, 2019. Photo by Jim Beckel, The Oklahoman. " title="A large crowd attends the inauguration ceremony for Kevin Stitt who was sworn in as Oklahoma's 28th governor by Supreme Court Chief Justice Noma Gurich on Monday, Jan. 14, 2019. Photo by Jim Beckel, The Oklahoman. "><figcaption>A large crowd attends the inauguration ceremony for Kevin Stitt who was sworn in as Oklahoma's 28th governor by Supreme Court Chief Justice Noma Gurich on Monday, Jan. 14, 2019. Photo by Jim Beckel, The Oklahoman. </figcaption></figure><figure><img src="//cdn2.newsok.biz/cache/r960-035346d075d8f319c7cdeb3d56050656.jpg" alt="Photo - Gov-elect Kevin Stitt waves to the crowd as he and his wife, Sarah, emerge from the south doors of the state Capitol at the beginning of his inauguration ceremony. Stitt was sworn in as Oklahoma's 28th governor by Supreme Court Chief Justice Noma Gurich on Monday, Jan. 14, 2019. Photo by Jim Beckel, The Oklahoman. " title=" Gov-elect Kevin Stitt waves to the crowd as he and his wife, Sarah, emerge from the south doors of the state Capitol at the beginning of his inauguration ceremony. Stitt was sworn in as Oklahoma's 28th governor by Supreme Court Chief Justice Noma Gurich on Monday, Jan. 14, 2019. Photo by Jim Beckel, The Oklahoman. "><figcaption> Gov-elect Kevin Stitt waves to the crowd as he and his wife, Sarah, emerge from the south doors of the state Capitol at the beginning of his inauguration ceremony. Stitt was sworn in as Oklahoma's 28th governor by Supreme Court Chief Justice Noma Gurich on Monday, Jan. 14, 2019. Photo by Jim Beckel, The Oklahoman. </figcaption></figure><figure><img src="//cdn2.newsok.biz/cache/r960-7f9c3c863ba6b6917396b8853788479a.jpg" alt="Photo - Kevin Stitt and wife, Sarah, at his inauguration where he was sworn in as Oklahoma's 28th governor by Supreme Court Chief Justice Noma Gurich on Monday, Jan. 14, 2019. Photo by Jim Beckel, The Oklahoman. " title="Kevin Stitt and wife, Sarah, at his inauguration where he was sworn in as Oklahoma's 28th governor by Supreme Court Chief Justice Noma Gurich on Monday, Jan. 14, 2019. Photo by Jim Beckel, The Oklahoman. "><figcaption>Kevin Stitt and wife, Sarah, at his inauguration where he was sworn in as Oklahoma's 28th governor by Supreme Court Chief Justice Noma Gurich on Monday, Jan. 14, 2019. Photo by Jim Beckel, The Oklahoman. </figcaption></figure><figure><img src="//cdn2.newsok.biz/cache/r960-5d35b891e4038a6fbc4ed1fdaa8a70ca.jpg" alt="Photo - Kevin Stitt, left, greets Oklahoma Speaker Charles McCall as Stitt takes his seat on the platform to be sworn in as Oklahoma's 28th governor by Supreme Court Chief Justice Noma Gurich on Monday, Jan. 14, 2019. Photo by Jim Beckel, The Oklahoman. " title="Kevin Stitt, left, greets Oklahoma Speaker Charles McCall as Stitt takes his seat on the platform to be sworn in as Oklahoma's 28th governor by Supreme Court Chief Justice Noma Gurich on Monday, Jan. 14, 2019. Photo by Jim Beckel, The Oklahoman. "><figcaption>Kevin Stitt, left, greets Oklahoma Speaker Charles McCall as Stitt takes his seat on the platform to be sworn in as Oklahoma's 28th governor by Supreme Court Chief Justice Noma Gurich on Monday, Jan. 14, 2019. Photo by Jim Beckel, The Oklahoman. </figcaption></figure><figure><img src="//cdn2.newsok.biz/cache/r960-9761372ec5772a793aacc1b9a97c017f.jpg" alt="Photo - Gov. Kevin Stitt delivers his inaugural speech during the ceremony where he was sworn in as Oklahoma's 28th governor by Supreme Court Chief Justice Noma Gurich on Monday, Jan. 14, 2019. Photo by Jim Beckel, The Oklahoman. " title="Gov. Kevin Stitt delivers his inaugural speech during the ceremony where he was sworn in as Oklahoma's 28th governor by Supreme Court Chief Justice Noma Gurich on Monday, Jan. 14, 2019. Photo by Jim Beckel, The Oklahoman. "><figcaption>Gov. Kevin Stitt delivers his inaugural speech during the ceremony where he was sworn in as Oklahoma's 28th governor by Supreme Court Chief Justice Noma Gurich on Monday, Jan. 14, 2019. Photo by Jim Beckel, The Oklahoman. </figcaption></figure><figure><img src="//cdn2.newsok.biz/cache/r960-838ea842de1024dd3e7de9a76a6ea1d8.jpg" alt="Photo - Gov. Kevin Stitt delivers his inaugural speech during the ceremony where he was sworn in as Oklahoma's 28th governor by Supreme Court Chief Justice Noma Gurich on Monday, Jan. 14, 2019. Photo by Jim Beckel, The Oklahoman. " title="Gov. Kevin Stitt delivers his inaugural speech during the ceremony where he was sworn in as Oklahoma's 28th governor by Supreme Court Chief Justice Noma Gurich on Monday, Jan. 14, 2019. Photo by Jim Beckel, The Oklahoman. "><figcaption>Gov. Kevin Stitt delivers his inaugural speech during the ceremony where he was sworn in as Oklahoma's 28th governor by Supreme Court Chief Justice Noma Gurich on Monday, Jan. 14, 2019. Photo by Jim Beckel, The Oklahoman. </figcaption></figure><figure><img src="//cdn2.newsok.biz/cache/r960-bde29980ebc2fba1390e63801ff7714b.jpg" alt="Photo - Gov. Kevin Stitt delivers his inaugural speech during the ceremony where he was sworn in as Oklahoma's 28th governor by Supreme Court Chief Justice Noma Gurich on Monday, Jan. 14, 2019. Photo by Jim Beckel, The Oklahoman. " title="Gov. Kevin Stitt delivers his inaugural speech during the ceremony where he was sworn in as Oklahoma's 28th governor by Supreme Court Chief Justice Noma Gurich on Monday, Jan. 14, 2019. Photo by Jim Beckel, The Oklahoman. "><figcaption>Gov. Kevin Stitt delivers his inaugural speech during the ceremony where he was sworn in as Oklahoma's 28th governor by Supreme Court Chief Justice Noma Gurich on Monday, Jan. 14, 2019. Photo by Jim Beckel, The Oklahoman. </figcaption></figure><figure><img src="//cdn2.newsok.biz/cache/r960-113becb36bc487e22afddf0ed22ac60b.jpg" alt="Photo - Gov. Kevin Stitt delivers his inaugural speech during the ceremony where he was sworn in as Oklahoma's 28th governor by Supreme Court Chief Justice Noma Gurich on Monday, Jan. 14, 2019. Photo by Jim Beckel, The Oklahoman. " title="Gov. Kevin Stitt delivers his inaugural speech during the ceremony where he was sworn in as Oklahoma's 28th governor by Supreme Court Chief Justice Noma Gurich on Monday, Jan. 14, 2019. Photo by Jim Beckel, The Oklahoman. "><figcaption>Gov. Kevin Stitt delivers his inaugural speech during the ceremony where he was sworn in as Oklahoma's 28th governor by Supreme Court Chief Justice Noma Gurich on Monday, Jan. 14, 2019. Photo by Jim Beckel, The Oklahoman. </figcaption></figure><figure><img src="//cdn2.newsok.biz/cache/r960-4582c788f1715335bd72bae3788bd260.jpg" alt="Photo - Gov. Kevin Stitt smiles and looks out onto the crowd as he finishes his inaugural speech during the ceremony where he was sworn in as Oklahoma's 28th governor by Supreme Court Chief Justice Noma Gurich on Monday, Jan. 14, 2019. Photo by Jim Beckel, The Oklahoman. " title="Gov. Kevin Stitt smiles and looks out onto the crowd as he finishes his inaugural speech during the ceremony where he was sworn in as Oklahoma's 28th governor by Supreme Court Chief Justice Noma Gurich on Monday, Jan. 14, 2019. Photo by Jim Beckel, The Oklahoman. "><figcaption>Gov. Kevin Stitt smiles and looks out onto the crowd as he finishes his inaugural speech during the ceremony where he was sworn in as Oklahoma's 28th governor by Supreme Court Chief Justice Noma Gurich on Monday, Jan. 14, 2019. Photo by Jim Beckel, The Oklahoman. </figcaption></figure><figure><img src="//cdn2.newsok.biz/cache/r960-60003aabb8a58c4f12f02f0dba430c51.jpg" alt="Photo - Gov. Kevin Stitt and first lady Sarah Stitt say the Pledge of Allegiance during the inaugural ball for Stitt at the Cox Convention Center in Oklahoma City, Monday, Jan. 14, 2019. Photo by Nate Billings, The Oklahoman" title="Gov. Kevin Stitt and first lady Sarah Stitt say the Pledge of Allegiance during the inaugural ball for Stitt at the Cox Convention Center in Oklahoma City, Monday, Jan. 14, 2019. Photo by Nate Billings, The Oklahoman"><figcaption>Gov. Kevin Stitt and first lady Sarah Stitt say the Pledge of Allegiance during the inaugural ball for Stitt at the Cox Convention Center in Oklahoma City, Monday, Jan. 14, 2019. Photo by Nate Billings, The Oklahoman</figcaption></figure><figure><img src="//cdn2.newsok.biz/cache/r960-9447cd98c687efee168ff82b356302bb.jpg" alt="Photo - Gov. Kevin Stitt and first lady Sarah Stitt pray during the inaugural ball for Stitt at the Cox Convention Center in Oklahoma City, Monday, Jan. 14, 2019. Photo by Nate Billings, The Oklahoman" title="Gov. Kevin Stitt and first lady Sarah Stitt pray during the inaugural ball for Stitt at the Cox Convention Center in Oklahoma City, Monday, Jan. 14, 2019. Photo by Nate Billings, The Oklahoman"><figcaption>Gov. Kevin Stitt and first lady Sarah Stitt pray during the inaugural ball for Stitt at the Cox Convention Center in Oklahoma City, Monday, Jan. 14, 2019. Photo by Nate Billings, The Oklahoman</figcaption></figure><figure><img src="//cdn2.newsok.biz/cache/r960-da8dfac10bfa0510ae940643819c2be8.jpg" alt="Photo - Gov. Kevin Stitt and first lady Sarah Stitt pray during the inaugural ball for Stitt at the Cox Convention Center in Oklahoma City, Monday, Jan. 14, 2019. Photo by Nate Billings, The Oklahoman" title="Gov. Kevin Stitt and first lady Sarah Stitt pray during the inaugural ball for Stitt at the Cox Convention Center in Oklahoma City, Monday, Jan. 14, 2019. Photo by Nate Billings, The Oklahoman"><figcaption>Gov. Kevin Stitt and first lady Sarah Stitt pray during the inaugural ball for Stitt at the Cox Convention Center in Oklahoma City, Monday, Jan. 14, 2019. Photo by Nate Billings, The Oklahoman</figcaption></figure><figure><img src="//cdn2.newsok.biz/cache/r960-a7d290c4d17055d1887e2f2544be3318.jpg" alt="Photo - Former Gov. Mary Fallin and husband Wade Christensen pray next to former Gov. Frank Keating and wife Cathy Keating during the inaugural ball for Gov. Kevin Stitt at the Cox Convention Center in Oklahoma City, Monday, Jan. 14, 2019. Photo by Nate Billings, The Oklahoman" title="Former Gov. Mary Fallin and husband Wade Christensen pray next to former Gov. Frank Keating and wife Cathy Keating during the inaugural ball for Gov. Kevin Stitt at the Cox Convention Center in Oklahoma City, Monday, Jan. 14, 2019. Photo by Nate Billings, The Oklahoman"><figcaption>Former Gov. Mary Fallin and husband Wade Christensen pray next to former Gov. Frank Keating and wife Cathy Keating during the inaugural ball for Gov. Kevin Stitt at the Cox Convention Center in Oklahoma City, Monday, Jan. 14, 2019. Photo by Nate Billings, The Oklahoman</figcaption></figure><figure><img src="//cdn2.newsok.biz/cache/r960-50f01f63d8454e7f9960ef7fec63323a.jpg" alt="Photo - Gov. Kevin Stitt speaks next to first lady Sarah Stitt during the inaugural ball for Stitt at the Cox Convention Center in Oklahoma City, Monday, Jan. 14, 2019. Photo by Nate Billings, The Oklahoman" title="Gov. Kevin Stitt speaks next to first lady Sarah Stitt during the inaugural ball for Stitt at the Cox Convention Center in Oklahoma City, Monday, Jan. 14, 2019. Photo by Nate Billings, The Oklahoman"><figcaption>Gov. Kevin Stitt speaks next to first lady Sarah Stitt during the inaugural ball for Stitt at the Cox Convention Center in Oklahoma City, Monday, Jan. 14, 2019. Photo by Nate Billings, The Oklahoman</figcaption></figure><figure><img src="//cdn2.newsok.biz/cache/r960-1991fbf140f42eeebfb293f89b644aaa.jpg" alt="Photo - Gov. Kevin Stitt and first lady Sarah Stitt pray during the inaugural ball for Stitt at the Cox Convention Center in Oklahoma City, Monday, Jan. 14, 2019. Photo by Nate Billings, The Oklahoman" title="Gov. Kevin Stitt and first lady Sarah Stitt pray during the inaugural ball for Stitt at the Cox Convention Center in Oklahoma City, Monday, Jan. 14, 2019. Photo by Nate Billings, The Oklahoman"><figcaption>Gov. Kevin Stitt and first lady Sarah Stitt pray during the inaugural ball for Stitt at the Cox Convention Center in Oklahoma City, Monday, Jan. 14, 2019. Photo by Nate Billings, The Oklahoman</figcaption></figure><figure><img src="//cdn2.newsok.biz/cache/r960-dd630def14e8e6002bb9f25b0eb821ca.jpg" alt="Photo - Gov. Kevin Stitt and first lady Sarah Stitt stand on stage together during the inaugural ball for Stitt at the Cox Convention Center in Oklahoma City, Monday, Jan. 14, 2019. Photo by Nate Billings, The Oklahoman" title="Gov. Kevin Stitt and first lady Sarah Stitt stand on stage together during the inaugural ball for Stitt at the Cox Convention Center in Oklahoma City, Monday, Jan. 14, 2019. Photo by Nate Billings, The Oklahoman"><figcaption>Gov. Kevin Stitt and first lady Sarah Stitt stand on stage together during the inaugural ball for Stitt at the Cox Convention Center in Oklahoma City, Monday, Jan. 14, 2019. Photo by Nate Billings, The Oklahoman</figcaption></figure><figure><img src="//cdn2.newsok.biz/cache/r960-61da413a8c97070e937676ebac6a72f7.jpg" alt="Photo - Gov. Kevin Stitt speaks next to first lady Sarah Stitt during the inaugural ball for Stitt at the Cox Convention Center in Oklahoma City, Monday, Jan. 14, 2019. Photo by Nate Billings, The Oklahoman" title="Gov. Kevin Stitt speaks next to first lady Sarah Stitt during the inaugural ball for Stitt at the Cox Convention Center in Oklahoma City, Monday, Jan. 14, 2019. Photo by Nate Billings, The Oklahoman"><figcaption>Gov. Kevin Stitt speaks next to first lady Sarah Stitt during the inaugural ball for Stitt at the Cox Convention Center in Oklahoma City, Monday, Jan. 14, 2019. Photo by Nate Billings, The Oklahoman</figcaption></figure><figure><img src="//cdn2.newsok.biz/cache/r960-934f2b420ec3109b9e2a559c68502f69.jpg" alt="Photo - Gov. Stitt " title=" Gov. Stitt "><figcaption> Gov. Stitt </figcaption></figure><figure><img src="//cdn2.newsok.biz/cache/r960-864904ed866dfbf77936849daaf9a05d.jpg" alt="Photo - A view of the room during the inaugural ball for Gov. Kevin Stitt at the Cox Convention Center in Oklahoma City, Monday, Jan. 14, 2019. Photo by Nate Billings, The Oklahoman" title="A view of the room during the inaugural ball for Gov. Kevin Stitt at the Cox Convention Center in Oklahoma City, Monday, Jan. 14, 2019. Photo by Nate Billings, The Oklahoman"><figcaption>A view of the room during the inaugural ball for Gov. Kevin Stitt at the Cox Convention Center in Oklahoma City, Monday, Jan. 14, 2019. Photo by Nate Billings, The Oklahoman</figcaption></figure><figure><img src="//cdn2.newsok.biz/cache/r960-12c7ee4b2bb21a1a826a1ae24cadb5fd.jpg" alt="Photo - Commemorative plate and a program on a table during the inaugural ball for Gov. Kevin Stitt at the Cox Convention Center in Oklahoma City, Monday, Jan. 14, 2019. Photo by Nate Billings, The Oklahoman" title="Commemorative plate and a program on a table during the inaugural ball for Gov. Kevin Stitt at the Cox Convention Center in Oklahoma City, Monday, Jan. 14, 2019. Photo by Nate Billings, The Oklahoman"><figcaption>Commemorative plate and a program on a table during the inaugural ball for Gov. Kevin Stitt at the Cox Convention Center in Oklahoma City, Monday, Jan. 14, 2019. Photo by Nate Billings, The Oklahoman</figcaption></figure>
Ben Felder
Ben Felder is an investigative reporter for The Oklahoman. A native of Kansas City, Ben has lived in Oklahoma City since 2010 and covered politics, education and local government for the Oklahoma Gazette before joining The Oklahoman in 2016....
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