Oklahoma Attorney General Drummond and Former Sen. Mazzei Heads to Runoff for Republican Governor Nomination

State Attorney General Gentner Drummond and former state Sen. Mike Mazzei are set to compete in a runoff for the Republican nomination for governor of Oklahoma. NBC News projects this development following Tuesday’s primary, where no candidate secured majority support.

Drummond and Mazzei emerged as the leading contenders among nine GOP candidates, each receiving approximately 25% of the votes. Drummond, with experience as a statewide official, faces Mazzei, who recently obtained an endorsement from former President Donald Trump on Truth Social, a crucial backing received just over two weeks prior to the primary day. Trump expressed his support, saying, It is my great Honor to endorse MAGA Warrior, Mike Mazzei, who is running for Governor of Oklahoma, a state which I love, and WON BIG.

The current Republican governor, Kevin Stitt, who won elections in 2018 and 2022, cannot run again due to term limits. Mazzei’s campaign has been financially substantial. He has contributed nearly $7 million to his own campaign from a total of over $11 million raised. Drummond, contrastingly, began with smaller resources, starting with a $2 million loan in April, and later adding $500,000 in May. His fundraising efforts yielded more than $340,000 from individual donors and $12,000 from political action committees, as reported by Oklahoma Voice.

Mazzei, prior to his gubernatorial ambitions, served in the state Senate and worked as a financial planner. He has made campaign promises including eliminating state income taxes, enhancing property tax relief for seniors and veterans, and initiating a literacy program in Oklahoma.

Drummond, in his capacity as attorney general, recently challenged a proposed $4 billion aluminum smelter project, citing environmental and agricultural concerns. He has also opposed his party’s efforts to integrate religion into schools. His background includes roles as a rancher, Air Force veteran, and banker, belonging to a distinguished family. Additionally, he has criticized Governor Stitt’s interactions with Indigenous tribes in Oklahoma.

Oklahoma is a firm Republican stronghold, with Trump winning every county in the state in three consecutive instances. The GOP has consistently defended its position in presidential elections since 1968.