Kevin Stitt previously served as CEO of the company
The owner of Gateway Mortgage has become the Republican nominee for governor of Oklahoma, after embracing his background as a businessman, according to a report by The Associated Press.
Kevin Stitt was previously CEO of the company and remains its chairman. He founded Gateway in 2000 and has led the company for the past 18 years.
Gateway Mortgage recently found itself the subject of political attack ads pointing out its default rate and regulatory actions.
A political newcomer, Stitt won over former Oklahoma City Mayor Mick Cornett.
“Let’s celebrate this victory tonight, because tomorrow we get back to work,” Stitt said during a watch party with supporters.
Cornett had criticized Stitt’s late entry into the state’s Republican political scene. However, Stitt doubled down on his standing as a political outsider
“I’ve been in the private sector, in the real world creating jobs,” Stitt told Cornett during a recent debate. “I haven’t been cashing a government check.”
Stitt bolstered his campaign with fundraising totaling more than $6.5 million, which included more than $3.2 million in personal loans.
In August, Gateway appointed Stephen Curry as its new CEO to replace Stitt.
