Mike Mazzei, a former state senator and budget secretary endorsed by former President Donald Trump, won the Republican nomination for Oklahoma governor in a closely contested runoff Tuesday night. He narrowly defeated the state's Attorney General, Gentner Drummond, in a race that devolved into sharp personal attacks and controversy over the candidates' health and drug testing.
The victory represents another high-profile test of Trump's influence in Republican primary contests. Trump had endorsed Mazzei ahead of the initial June primary and repeatedly intervened in the race, criticizing Drummond and urging Republicans to support his chosen candidate.
The campaign, initially a conventional Republican primary, became one of the cycle's most acrimonious. The candidates clashed over their records, their ties to Trump, and in the final weeks, their physical fitness for office.
Following a debate touching on candidate health and stamina, Drummond released his health records and a negative drug test, then challenged Mazzei to do the same. Mazzei subsequently provided his own clean drug test. Drummond, however, argued that Mazzei's test was insufficient because it could not detect substances over a longer period. This dispute gained particular attention given Mazzei's survival of a serious car accident in 2008, though Mazzei has denied currently relying on pain medication.
The race also saw significant spending from both campaigns and outside groups. Mazzei financed much of his campaign, loaning it a state-record $11.6 million. In total, Mazzei's campaign spent approximately $12.3 million across the primary and runoff, compared to Drummond's $9.1 million.
Outside organizations also contributed substantially, with nearly $13 million spent on the gubernatorial runoff since July 1. The Club for Growth affiliate, School Freedom Fund, spent over $3 million attacking Drummond, while an opposing super PAC, Put Oklahoma 1st, spent close to $3 million targeting Mazzei.
Early August polling indicated a close contest, with surveys showing the candidates either slightly ahead or tied. The intense advertising and counterattacks characterized the final weeks of the campaign leading up to Tuesday's vote.