Republicans funneling cash to deep-red Oklahoma to save Gov. Kevin Stitt

Oklahoma Republican Gov. Kevin Stitt is facing an unexpectedly tough reelection bid in the deep red state and Republicans are funneling money there to put him over the finish line.

The Republican Governor's Association has announced a "seven figure" ad buy to support Stitt this cycle, according to Politico, a move that follows the group's prior bolstering of his primary campaign. Stitt has further spent $4.75 million on advertising to combat a series of attack ads. An aligned dark money group meanwhile, has spent at least $600,000 according to AdImpact.

Recent polls have shown Stitt's opponent, state Superintendent of Education Joy Hofmeister, within striking distance or even with a small lead over the governor. RealClearPolitics currently rates the race as a "toss up." Hofmeister flipped to the Democrats last year.

Stitt has assigned much of the blame for the close race on the state's Native American tribes, all of which have endorsed Hoffmeister, according to Politico. "It’s the big casino bosses," Stitt said. "It's the big tribes." Oklahoma was formerly a resettlement group for many Native American tribes and members of those groups account for the state's largest minority.

The outlet pointed to a series of television ads attacking Stitt as having a significant impact. The campaign has reportedly cost more than $7 million in advertising fees, though much of that figure has come through "dark money" groups, leaving the architects of the campaign unclear.

Hofmeister denies any involvement with the ad campaign and says she has "no idea" who is responsible.