Runoff Election for Oklahoma Republican Gubernatorial Nomination

Oklahoma is gearing up for a runoff election to determine the Republican nominee for governor. State Attorney General Gentner Drummond and former state Senator Mike Mazzei will face off, as projected by NBC News. The primary saw nine GOP candidates, but none achieved a majority. Drummond and Mazzei garnered about 25% of the vote each, placing them in the top two spots.

Drummond has experience in statewide politics, while Mazzei received a recent endorsement from former President Donald Trump. Two weeks before the primary, Trump expressed strong support for Mazzei on Truth Social, calling him a “MAGA Warrior.”

Governor Kevin Stitt, the current Republican governor elected in 2018 and re-elected in 2022, cannot seek re-election due to term limits.

Financially, Mazzei has heavily funded his campaign with his personal wealth. He lent nearly $7 million out of the $11 million total fundraising. In comparison, Drummond started with less, lending $2 million in April and contributing $500,000 more in late May. His campaign has raised over $340,000 from individuals and $12,000 from political action committees. Overall, GOP candidates have invested more than $22 million in this primary, according to Oklahoma Voice.

Before his gubernatorial campaign, Mazzei served in the Oklahoma Senate and worked as a financial planner. His platform includes abolishing state income taxes, increasing property tax relief for seniors and veterans, and initiating a literacy program.

Drummond has served as attorney general and is known for his environmental stance, such as suing to prevent a $4 billion aluminum smelter project due to potential environmental and agricultural threats. He opposes integrating religion in schools and has criticized Governor Stitt’s relationship with Indigenous tribes. Drummond’s background includes roles as a rancher, Air Force veteran, banker, and member of a prominent family.

Oklahoma remains a Republican stronghold. Trump has won every county in Oklahoma in three consecutive elections, and the state has consistently leaned Republican since the 1968 presidential election.