Trump’s Endorsement Shakes Up Oklahoma Governor Race

Former President Donald Trump recently endorsed Mike Mazzei for Oklahoma governor. This endorsement could signal a shift in the gubernatorial race. A survey by JMC Analytics and Polling suggests that Trump’s backing may boost Mazzei among Republican primary voters, with only 12 days remaining before voting begins.

In various polls this year, Mazzei rarely led the race. However, he now commands 24% of the hypothetical vote, while Attorney General Gentner Drummond holds 20%. Former State Senator Jake Merrick has 12%, ex-Secretary of Public Safety Chip Keating stands at 10%, and former Oklahoma Speaker of the House Charles McCall has 7%. Other candidates are below 3%, and 25% remain undecided.

Mazzei and Drummond are in a statistical tie, as results are within the poll’s 4.18% margin of error.

Mazzei told Newsweek, “We earned Donald Trump’s endorsement because our conservative policy goals are aligned with his. President Trump and I are both on the same mission to lower taxes, weed out government fraud and abuse, and build a powerful economy that brings prosperity to everyone.” He expressed confidence that support would grow following Trump’s endorsement.

Newsweek also contacted Drummond’s campaign for a comment.

Polling Details

When asked about their preferred candidate, 11% of undecideds leaned toward Mazzei, 6% leaned toward Keating, 5% toward Drummond, and 3% toward Merrick or McCall. However, 68% remain undecided. The survey, conducted on June 2-3 among 550 likely Republican primary voters, has a 4.18% margin of error.

Historically, Trump’s endorsed candidates often triumph in competitive primaries. Yet, this week saw a setback as Trump’s endorsed candidate Randy Feenstra conceded in Iowa’s governor race.

Trump’s endorsement likely unifies voters seeking a candidate aligned with his agenda. For example, 30% of respondents consider inflation the top national issue, followed by 23% naming border security and illegal immigration.

Trump’s Advocacy for Mazzei

In late May, Trump endorsed Mazzei, saying, “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. As your next Governor, Mike will fight tirelessly to Support our Amazing Farmers and Ranchers, Keep our Border SECURE, Stop Migrant Crime, Ensure LAW AND ORDER, Strengthen our Military/Veterans, and Defend our always under siege Second Amendment.”

Comparing Other Polls

A NonDoc poll from May 21-25 showed Mazzei with 22.1%, Drummond with 21.66%, and Keating with 21.44%. McCall scored double digits with 18.38%. This survey among 457 Oklahoma Republicans had a 4.6% margin of error. Meanwhile, Cole Hargrave Snodgrass & Associates found Drummond leading with 36% to McCall’s 14%, Keating and Mazzei’s 13%, and Merrick’s 5%. Their poll involved 600 Republican primary voters from January 26-30. A co/efficient poll in October reported McCall at 31%, Drummond at 20%, with Keating and Mazzei trailing significantly behind. These polling differences suggest a fluid and competitive race ahead.