Tulsa businessman and former state Sen. Mike Mazzei and Oklahoma Attorney General Gentner Drummond will face off in the Aug. 25 runoff for the Republican gubernatorial nomination in Oklahoma. The runoff was triggered after neither candidate secured at least 50 percent of the vote in the primary, with Drummond receiving 26.3 percent and Mazzei 25.9 percent.
Trump’s Endorsement and Campaign Focus
Former President Donald Trump endorsed Mazzei, calling him a "MAGA warrior" who "will never let you down." Mazzei’s campaign focuses on eliminating state property taxes, protecting state lands from foreign purchasers, increasing literacy rates, and cutting government waste. He previously served as state budget director under Gov. Kevin Stitt.
Drummond’s Background and Criticisms
Drummond, a popular prosecutor, has not been as vocal about his policy positions. Some critics have targeted Mazzei for hiring Roger Stone, a controversial political consultant, as an adviser. Stone was involved in the Nixon campaign and later faced FBI raids during the Trump administration.
Key Issues and Implications
The race is significant as Oklahoma is one of two states with no blue counties in recent elections. The runoff will determine the GOP nominee to replace term-limited Gov. Kevin Stitt, who led the National Governors Association.