OKLAHOMA CITY – A public clash over Oklahoma County jail funding and property taxes has escalated into a Republican primary challenge against longtime Oklahoma County Assessor Larry Stein.
According to reporting by The Oklahoman, Edmond businessman Ferlin Kearns entered the June 16 GOP primary race after a heated March 31 exchange with Stein during an Oklahoma County Budget Board meeting tied to funding concerns at the troubled county jail.
Kearns, a member of the Criminal Justice Authority Citizens Advisory Board, accused Stein of helping “defund the jail” after Stein’s chief deputy supported delaying a vote on additional jail funding. Stein pushed back sharply during the meeting, mocking Kearns’ characterization of the proposal.
The political dispute has since expanded into broader debates over property taxes, county spending and public accountability.
Kearns, 61, is a convicted felon who received a pardon from Gov. Kevin Stitt in 2022 for convictions dating from the late 1980s through the 1990s. The offenses included multiple DUI convictions, possession of a stolen vehicle and other charges, according to The Oklahoman. Kearns and his supporters argue he has long acknowledged his criminal history and rebuilt his life after overcoming alcohol abuse decades ago. He has also received an endorsement from the Greater Oklahoma City Chamber.
Stein, 70, has served as Oklahoma County assessor since 2019 after years as chief deputy assessor under previous county assessors Leonard Sullivan and Mike Means. Before joining the assessor’s office, Stein worked in radio news and later for Republican statewide officials including former Govs. Henry Bellmon, Frank Keating and Mary Fallin during her tenure as lieutenant governor.
The race has also highlighted disagreements over property tax policy.
Kearns supports efforts to reduce property tax burdens, including State Question 847, a proposed constitutional amendment scheduled for the Nov. 3 general election ballot that would limit annual increases in assessed property values for some homeowners and create an income-based system for seniors.
Stein and other county officials have publicly warned the proposal could hurt county governments, public schools, career technology centers and fire districts that rely on ad valorem revenue.
The candidates also sparred over Stein’s support for legislation allowing assessors to use aerial imaging technology for property assessments. Kearns criticized the idea as “spy planes,” while Stein said the proposal involved fixed-wing aircraft operating at high altitude — not drones — and would improve efficiency and employee safety.
Stein has defended his record managing the assessor’s office, including its property database systems and audit performance. He has also criticized Kearns over past delinquent property tax payments and his criminal history, according to The Oklahoman.
Democrat John Gibbons has also filed for the office and faces no primary opposition.
The Republican primary is scheduled for June 16, with the general election set for Nov. 3.
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