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Larry Stein easily won the Republican primary for Oklahoma County Assessor on Tuesday, putting the incumbent on track for a November rematch that will decide who sets property valuations for the state’s largest county. The result, recorded in unofficial tallies from the Oklahoma Election Board, underscores continuity at an office that handles billions in taxable property and services hundreds of thousands of accounts.
Stein, 70, captured roughly three-quarters of the GOP vote against challenger Ferlin Kearns, according to the board’s initial returns. He will face Democrat John Gibbons, 63 — who had no primary opponent — in the general election on Nov. 3.
Election results and immediate reaction
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Unofficial returns from the June 16 primary show Stein with about 76% of the vote to Kearns’ roughly 23%. Kearns did not respond to requests for comment after the results were posted.
Stein credited the outcome to his office staff and to support from residents and local business groups. He praised his team’s internal management and public service, and highlighted a recent top rating from the Oklahoma Tax Commission as evidence of strong performance.
Why this office matters
The county assessor’s office is responsible for listing, appraising and assessing both real and personal property for taxation — covering homes, commercial buildings and farms. Stein’s office manages an inventory of about 360,000 accounts with a combined market value reported at approximately $109 billion, representing roughly 22% of the state’s ad valorem value.
The office also maintains a public-facing website that lets residents look up property records, maps and photos, resources Stein says draw significant traffic and free public access around the clock.
Campaign finance, background and controversy
As of the March 31 reporting deadline, Stein reported modest contributions — about $1,950 raised directly — and a campaign balance of roughly $30,732, bolstered by transfers from a previous race. The Oklahoma Ethics Commission records show neither Kearns nor Gibbons had filed financial reports by that deadline.
Kearns, 61, attracted attention after becoming involved in county business as a volunteer on a jail advisory board and then announcing a primary challenge. His criminal record, which he has acknowledged and says he has addressed, became a campaign issue: Kearns is a convicted felon who has since received a pardon from Gov. Kevin Stitt and earned an endorsement from the Greater Oklahoma City Chamber.
Supporters of Kearns framed the past convictions as matters already settled; critics argued such a history raises questions about suitability for a public office that handles sensitive property records and large financial valuations.
- Primary date: June 16 (unofficial results)
- Stein (R): ~76% of GOP vote; incumbent since 2019
- Kearns (R): ~23% of GOP vote; pardoned felon; endorsed by Chamber
- Gibbons (D): Unopposed in Democratic primary; will face Stein Nov. 3
- Office scope: ~360,000 accounts; ~$109 billion market value; ~80 staff
Stein’s record and the campaign trail
Stein has served as assessor since 2019 and previously spent nearly two decades as chief deputy under earlier assessors. He noted awards from peers and industry groups and said his office recently earned a top score on the state tax commission’s annual performance review.
For voters, the choice in November will determine whether that approach — emphasizing audit performance, digital access to records and continuity of staff — continues, or whether the county seeks a different direction under a new assessor.
The race will be one of many local contests shaping taxation and public services across Oklahoma County; the winner will begin another term charged with balancing accurate valuations, taxpayer equity and the mechanics of collecting property tax revenue.
This article is based on unofficial election returns from the Oklahoma Election Board and candidate reporting filed with the Oklahoma Ethics Commission. The race will be updated as official counts and additional filings are posted.
