Mike Mazzei, a candidate endorsed by former President Donald Trump, secured the Republican nomination for Oklahoma governor in a closely contested runoff election Tuesday. Mazzei narrowly defeated the state's Attorney General, Gentner Drummond, in a race that became increasingly acrimonious in its final weeks.
The contest featured significant spending, bitter personal attacks, and a notable dispute over the candidates' health and drug-testing records. Mazzei, a former state senator and budget secretary, edged out Drummond by less than one percentage point.
Trump's endorsement played a prominent role, with the former president backing Mazzei ahead of the June primary and continuing to criticize Drummond in the lead-up to the runoff. This victory serves as another test of Trump's influence in Republican primary contests, particularly in gubernatorial races where his endorsement history has been less consistently dominant compared to Senate and House contests.
The campaign, initially a standard Republican primary, devolved into a notably contentious affair. The candidates clashed on their past records, their relationship with Trump, and ultimately, their personal health.
Following a debate that touched on candidate health and stamina, Drummond released his health records and a negative drug test, subsequently challenging Mazzei to do the same. Drummond also released financial records to underscore his fitness for office. Mazzei responded with his own clean drug test.
Drummond contended that Mazzei's drug test was insufficient as it could not detect substances used over an extended period. This dispute gained traction given Mazzei's serious car accident in 2008, for which he was prescribed pain medication. Mazzei has denied any current reliance on pain medication, stating he stopped taking it in early 2009.
The health controversy became a significant element of the gubernatorial race, which was already saturated with television advertising and personal attacks. The campaign was also characterized by substantial financial investment.
Mazzei largely self-financed his campaign, loaning it a state-record $11.6 million. Drummond contributed $3 million of his own funds and attracted more from donors. Overall, Mazzei spent approximately $12.3 million across the primary and runoff, compared to Drummond's $9.1 million.
Outside organizations also heavily invested in the race, with nearly $13 million spent by such groups on the gubernatorial runoff since July 1. A Club for Growth affiliate, School Freedom Fund, spent over $3 million attacking Drummond, alleging he refused to defend Trump during impeachment proceedings. Conversely, a super PAC named Put Oklahoma 1st spent close to $3 million targeting Mazzei, accusing him of prior support for tax increases.