Mike Mazzei Wins GOP Nomination for Oklahoma Governor

Mike Mazzei, a former state senator, has secured the Republican nomination for governor in Oklahoma. NBC News projects this as a victory 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 held in June was also closely contested. Drummond finished first, surpassing Mazzei by just over 1,000 votes. However, since no candidate achieved a majority, the contest proceeded to a runoff.

In the weeks preceding the runoff, Drummond raised and spent more money than Mazzei. Drummond’s campaign reported collecting $2.3 million between the mid-June primary and the runoff. In contrast, Mazzei raised $816,000 during the same time frame. Both candidates also provided substantial personal loans to their campaigns, with Mazzei contributing $11 million and Drummond $3 million.

Trump first endorsed Mazzei in May, as he sought to succeed term-limited GOP Governor Kevin Stitt. Trump consistently expressed his support for Mazzei, a former state lawmaker. On Truth Social, Trump criticized Drummond, urging Oklahoma voters to back Mazzei.

Drummond is not the right guy. He’s got a bad attitude, and he doesn’t stand for the values of Oklahoma. VOTE FOR ‘MIKE MAZZEI FOR GOVERNOR,’ wrote Trump.

Drummond faced criticism from Trump for opposing the construction of the largest aluminum smelter in the country in Inola, Oklahoma. Drummond cited environmental and public health concerns for his stance.

He wants to dethrone a magnificent, job-producing, desperately needed, and brand-new aluminum plant, one of the best projects not only in Oklahoma but in the United States, Trump commented.

Mazzei supports the plant’s construction.

Drummond also parted ways with Trump on tariffs, showing disagreement with the president’s decision to waive some beef import tariffs. Drummond told NewsNation that lowering beef prices by importing cheap beef harms Oklahoma’s cattlemen, ranchers, and farmers, echoing concerns from GOP lawmakers in cattle-ranching states.

President Trump’s endorsement remains sought-after in GOP politics, despite some setbacks, particularly in gubernatorial races. Five gubernatorial candidates he supported this year did not win their primaries.

Mazzei, having won the primary, is now favored to win the November general election, given Oklahoma’s strong Republican base. He will face Democratic state Rep. Cyndi Munson in the election.