TULSA, Okla. — Lieutenant Governor Matt Pinnell of Oklahoma announced that he is taking a break from politics after serving two terms in office, although he emphasizes he is not leaving public life entirely. Pinnell, 47, is term-limited after eight years and plans to work in a fundraising role at Oral Roberts University, his alma mater.
Pinnell expressed his commitment to supporting ORU, stating, “I love my alma mater Oral Roberts University. That’s where I’m going to help raise money. I want ORU to be bigger. I want more kids graduating from that university.” He mentioned he could work there for a couple of years or even much longer, depending on how things unfold for him and his family.
In an interview with FOX23, Pinnell shared that he does not have immediate plans to pursue another political office but is focused on spending more time with his wife and children. His family has faced the challenges of his frequent travel and duties promoting Oklahoma tourism and economic development for nearly a decade.
Reflecting on his time in office, Pinnell acknowledged the need for a break, saying, “I know I need a break. I know my wife needs a break. My family needs a break, and they’re going to get it.” He stressed that the duration of this break remains uncertain.
Pinnell revealed that he and his wife had considered the possibility of him running for governor or serving in Congress, particularly after the announcement by Congressman Kevin Hern about his campaign for the U.S. Senate. However, Pinnell ultimately opted against both options after praying and discussing them at length with his wife. “I gave governor a long look. A very long look,” he said. “We ultimately decided it just wasn’t something for our family.”
Regarding the idea of Congress, Pinnell felt that it would demand too much time away from his family, which he noted would be unhealthy. He acknowledged the adjustments that Governor Kevin Stitt and his family faced during Stitt’s tenure and mentioned the potential disruption of moving his children from their beloved school as an additional concern.
“We just saw what Kevin Stitt had to go through the last eight years with him and his family. It’s just one more level of not really having a life, and we’re ready for a new season,” Pinnell said.
