Former teacher to run for Oklahoma Lieutenant Governor
- by Robin Dorner
Editor in Chief
Kelly Forbes began his career in education in 2008. He has served as a teacher, instructional coach, school and district leader, university adjunct professor, and education consultant. Now, he is running for Lieutenant Governor.
And he says the number one issue in our state right now is education. Period.
Forbes is well prepared to make that comment. He has a bachelor’s degree in Spanish from OCU (Oklahoma City University) and two master’s degrees from UCO (University of Central Oklahoma). One in Bilingual Education and one in Administrative Leadership. Further, he has a doctorate from SNU (Southern Nazarene University) in Educational and Administrative Leadership.
“Public education is the foundation of every community, and it’s where opportunity either begins or ends,” Forbes said. “When schools are strong, communities thrive. When education is underfunded or undervalued, we all feel the strain. Education is at the core of the affordability crisis that hurts Oklahomans.”
Forbes believes that education shapes workforce readiness, economic growth, healthcare outcomes, public safety, and whether families stay in Oklahoma.
“We’re also preparing students for jobs that don’t exist yet, which requires innovation and treating educators as professionals,” he said. “If we want Oklahoma to be top-tier in affordability, opportunity, and quality of life, education has to come first— everything else grows from there.”
He decided to run for Lieutenant Governor in part because he was raised in a life of service to others.
“My grandparents, ‘Papa’ and ‘Keke,’ raised me, and service wasn’t something we scheduled; it was how we lived,” Forbes said. “We volunteered constantly, hosted holidays for anyone without family nearby, and treated everyone as our neighbor.”
His Papa served 44 years in the Oklahoma National Guard, and generations of his family, including both of his parents, served. Forbes grew up believing that leadership means showing up for people.
“The arts also shaped me,” the former teacher explained. “I danced, acted, and sang around the world. I’ve performed across the globe from Tulsa to Branson, Cairo, Egypt, and everywhere in between. Performing taught discipline, teamwork, and empathy: people everywhere want to feel seen, valued, and hopeful.”
Sadly, in May 2025, his Keke passed from a stroke, and his Papa followed three days later from heartbreak.
“Months later, on a patio with my partner, I asked: ‘How long will I talk about Oklahoma’s future instead of helping shape it?’ That’s when I knew running for Lieutenant Governor was a calling rooted in service.”
His partner is Dr. Chris Culver, who also works in education. They have been together since November 27, 2013.
“We met online, started talking about life and school, and eventually met in person, by coincidence, at a karaoke bar in Tulsa,” Forbes explained. “That night turned into hours of conversation—one of those moments where everything else fades out.
“He came over the next evening for Thanksgiving, met my family, and we’ve been together since. We earned our doctorates together, grew together, and built a life grounded in love and shared values. Chris is my best friend and a constant, steady support for me and this campaign. He is truly an amazing soul!”
This run for office is the first for Forbes, but with his work in education, he knows that policy decisions become real-life consequences for kids, families, and communities.
“I also led an education organization that advocated at local, state, and national levels, so I understand how legislation and budgets land in classrooms,” he said. “I’ve followed policy closely, supported campaigns, and spoken up when decisions harmed students and families. For me, politics isn’t abstract; it’s personal. Oklahoma has so much to be proud of, and we can love our state while still being honest about what needs to improve.”
He said his career has been about building systems that work for people.
“I’ve served as a teacher, instructional coach, school and district leader, university adjunct professor, and education consultant. I’ve led major initiatives, managed complex budgets, coached professionals, and helped districts strengthen instruction and student outcomes.
“I’ve presented at local, state, and national education conferences on multilingual education, culturally responsive teaching, leadership, and student success, bringing strong ideas back to Oklahoma.”
Forbes speaks fluent Spanish and says that being bilingual helps build trust and removes barriers, so all families are included.
“I’ve also served in leadership with the Oklahoma Association for Bilingual Education and on the Board of Directors for Palomar: Oklahoma City’s Family Justice Center, which keeps me grounded in the connection between education, safety, and stability.”
The Lieutenant Governor’s role is about connection: linking people to opportunity and helping align education, workforce, tourism, infrastructure, broadband, and economic growth. Constitutionally, the Lieutenant Governor serves as President of the Senate and supports continuity of leadership for the state, while also serving on key boards and commissions.
“Being bilingual, my long work with multilingual learners and their communities, not only helps me engage more Oklahomans, but it also opens opportunities that benefit everyone,” said Forbes. “My background fits that mission: I know how to build partnerships, manage resources responsibly, and turn big goals into practical results.”
As Lieutenant Governor, Forbes has a plan to improve education in Oklahoma.
“I believe in a simple approach: listen, learn, and lead—together,” said Forbes. “The Lieutenant Governor can build coalitions that elevate community voices and inform state decision-making, and I will use that tool to bring people to the table.
“Listening means engaging educators, students, families, rural communities, tribal nations, business leaders, and higher education partners. Learning means scaling what works and modernizing what doesn’t.”
He continued, “Leading means building connected pathways from early childhood to PK–12, CareerTech, higher education, and the workforce—so students graduate with real options that also meet Oklahoma’s needs in areas like healthcare or infrastructure. My goal is practical leadership that supports educators, encourages innovation, and delivers long-term success.”
Forbes was born in Tulsa and raised between Skiatook and Broken Arrow.
“Papa and Keke provided stability, high expectations, and unconditional love,” Forbes said of his mentor grandparents. “I spent time in the outdoors with my dad and step-mom, and my mom has always been my biggest encourager and best friend.
“My childhood was full of the arts, sports, practices, competitions, and summer travel. On my birthday in 2006, my grandparents watched me debut a cruise ship show—Keke’s ‘one day I’ll see you on a cruise ship stage’ promise coming true. Their lessons still guide me: early is on time, your word is your contract, and do at least one good deed a day.”
Forbes encourages his supporters to spread the message about his campaign.
“Talk to people. Follow us on social media. Stay kind.
“It may be my name on the ballot, but this is our campaign. When folks show up and believe in what’s possible, Oklahoma moves forward—together.”
If you want to volunteer and/or donate, you can do so at www.forbesforoklahoma.com. Follow the campaign on social media using @ForbesForOklahoma.
The Gayly online. 2/18/26 @ 12:15 p.m. CST.