Democrat Drew Edmondson and Republican Kevin Stitt officially joined the governor's race Thursday morning on the second day of filing at the state Capitol.

Edmondson, 71, a Navy veteran and longtime politician, is making his second run for governor; he narrowly lost the Democratic nomination in 2010 to former Lt. Gov. Jari Askins. Stitt, 45, a Tulsa businessman, is making his first run for office.

Edmondson, who served 16 years as Oklahoma attorney general, walked to the Capitol from a few blocks away flanked by supporters, including teachers.

"My message to the teachers all last week and this week has been: 'Thank you. Thank you for being here. Thank you for standing up for schools. Thank you for standing up for the children.' I really appreciate what they have done," Edmondson said.