Mike Mazzei secured the Republican nomination for Oklahoma governor Tuesday night, winning a runoff election with the backing of former President Donald Trump. Mazzei defeated incumbent Oklahoma Attorney General Genter Drummond in the primary runoff.
Mazzei, a former state senator and financial planner, is now the presumptive nominee for the governor's office and will face Democratic candidate Cyndi Munson, the House minority leader in the Oklahoma House of Representatives, in the general election on Nov. 3.
Trump endorsed Mazzei, referring to him as a "MAGA warrior" and highlighting his business background and experience in state government. "As a successful Businessman, and former Chairman of the State Senate Finance Committee, and later, as Oklahoma’s Secretary of Budget, Mike knows the AMERICA FIRST Policies required to Grow our Economy, Create GREAT Jobs, Cut Taxes and Regulations, Promote MADE IN THE U.S.A., and Unleash American Energy DOMINANCE," Trump stated on Truth Social.
The race for the gubernatorial nomination had been marked by a public feud between outgoing Republican Gov. Kevin Stitt and Drummond. Stitt, who is term-limited and cannot seek re-election, endorsed Mazzei, stating, "we want a pro-business governor in there to take the lead for the next four years."
Mazzei's campaign platform centered on promises to cut taxes and implement state-government reforms. He outlined a plan to eliminate Oklahoma's income tax within six years and reduce property taxes for seniors and veterans. He also emphasized preventing foreign nationals from acquiring state land, improving the education system, and ensuring government spending accountability.
Mazzei criticized Drummond, portraying him as a Republican who favored expanding government and increasing taxes. "His solution to every problem is to raise taxes and grow government," Mazzei said, adding that Drummond "doesn’t understand money and finance."
Drummond, a rancher and former fighter pilot, campaigned on his record as attorney general, highlighting efforts to combat illegal marijuana operations and enforce immigration laws. "As a tough-on-crime attorney general and decorated fighter pilot, I have proven I will always fight for our freedom and defend our values," Drummond stated. He also aligned himself with Trump, vowing to "secure the border, deport illegals and stop the flow of drugs and crime."
The Club for Growth, a group advocating for lower taxes and free-market principles, supported Mazzei with $9 million. "Mike Mazzei is a principled conservative who will advocate for lower taxes, fewer regulations, and for Oklahoma parents to have a voice in their children’s education," said Club for Growth PAC President David McIntosh. "Meanwhile, Gentner Drummond has spent his career putting radical education bureaucrats ahead of families by opposing school freedom. The message is clear, if you oppose school freedom and call yourself a Republican, expect to lose your next primary."