In 1914 he made an unsuccessful run for the office of governor of Oklahoma. Enjoying the popularity of his starring role in the 1914 film adaptation of his 1913 biography, Beating Back, Jennings campaigned openly about his past and won votes with his honesty.
In 1914, he attempted to become the governor of Oklahoma, capitalizing on the public's interest in his biography, "Beating Back." His campaign was successful because it emphasized his honesty and past experiences.