Mike Mazzei Wins GOP Nomination for Oklahoma Governor

Former state Senator Mike Mazzei has secured the Republican nomination for governor in Oklahoma, according to NBC News. This victory marks a win for President Donald Trump’s endorsed candidate. Mazzei narrowly defeated state Attorney General Gentner Drummond by approximately 2,000 votes in the GOP primary runoff.

The initial primary in June was also competitive. Drummond led by a small margin of just over 1,000 votes against Mazzei. As no candidate secured a majority in the crowded field, a runoff was necessary.

In the lead-up to the runoff, Drummond raised and spent more money than Mazzei. His campaign reported raising $2.3 million between the mid-June primary and the runoff on Tuesday. In contrast, Mazzei raised $816,000 during the same period. Both candidates made significant loans to their campaigns, with Mazzei loaning $11 million and Drummond $3 million.

President Trump initially endorsed Mazzei in May, supporting him as a successor to term-limited GOP Governor Kevin Stitt. He maintained his support throughout the campaign. On Truth Social, Trump praised Mazzei and criticized Drummond, urging votes for Mazzei in the August 25 runoff. Trump’s criticism of Drummond included opposition to Drummond’s lawsuit intended to block an aluminum smelter project in Inola, Oklahoma, due to environmental and public health concerns. Trump described the plant as beneficial economically for both Oklahoma and the United States.

Mazzei expressed support for the smelter project. Recently, Drummond disagreed with Trump’s decision to waive tariffs on certain beef imports aimed at lowering beef prices in the U.S. He pointed out the potential harm to Oklahoma’s cattle industry and echoed concerns from other GOP lawmakers in states with significant ranching communities.

Despite setbacks in gubernatorial races Trump has supported, Mazzei’s win makes him the favored candidate in the November general election due to Oklahoma’s strong Republican base. He will face off against Democratic state Representative Cyndi Munson.