TULSA — Oklahoma Governor Kevin Stitt is locked in a battle many would not have predicted just a few short months ago.

Monday, the Intertribal Council of the Five Civilized Tribes chose to endorse his opponent, Republican-turned-Democrat Joy Hofmeister, the sitting Superintendent of Public Instruction.

Considering the relatively unprecedented nature of that endorsement, and Stitt’s claimed status as a member of the Cherokee Nation, it’s perhaps a troubling sign for a campaign that has seen a commanding lead in the polls slowly dwindle.

Indeed, according to the latest SoonerPoll, released late last week, he actually trails Hofmeister by three points.

While that’s within the margin of error, and most political observers still believe Stitt will prevail, a conservative Republican facing such a challenge in Oklahoma has become a rare phenomenon.

Part of the issue may be his stance on abortion.

He has repeatedly said, and continues to say, he will sign any piece of “pro-life” legislation which crosses his desk.

In arguing that position during our interview, he made the claim that “Colorado, California - they’re proposing abortions 28 days after birth. Okay? 28 days after birth is what California is talking about.”

“They’re proposing infanticide?” our reporter asks.

“That’s correct,” the governor responds.

It isn’t, however, correct at all.

There is no legislation proposed, pending, or passed in the state of California (nor any state) which would legalize infanticide.

You can hear our interview with Superintendent Hofmeister HERE.

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