Former Oklahoma state Sen. Mike Mazzei narrowly won the Republican primary runoff for governor on Tuesday, securing the GOP nomination with 50.3% of the vote to Attorney General Gentner Drummond’s 49.7%, according to the Associated Press. Mazzei’s victory, by approximately 2,000 votes, advances him to the November general election against Democratic state House Minority Leader Cyndi Munson.
The runoff followed a crowded June primary in which no candidate secured a majority. Mazzei’s win marks another endorsement success for former President Donald Trump, who backed him in May. Trump’s support included criticism of Drummond, whom he labeled a “Republican In Name Only” (RINO) over environmental concerns related to a proposed aluminum smelter project in Inola, Oklahoma.
Immediate Impact
Mazzei will face Munson in the November 3 general election after incumbent Gov. Kevin Stitt, a term-limited Republican, declined to run again. Stitt had previously endorsed Mazzei, citing his pro-business stance. Mazzei campaigned on proposals to abolish the state income tax, eliminate property taxes for seniors and veterans, and implement phonics-based reading curricula in schools.
Key Policy Disputes
The runoff highlighted sharp differences between Mazzei and Drummond on economic and environmental policy. Drummond, who initially opposed the $500 million aluminum smelter project over foreign ownership and environmental concerns, sued to block its construction. Mazzei, however, reversed his position after Trump’s endorsement, arguing the project would create jobs and bolster U.S. energy independence. He pledged to monitor compliance with environmental laws if elected.
Drummond criticized Mazzei’s shift on the smelter, calling it a flip-flop. Mazzei countered by accusing Drummond of lying about his legislative record and reiterated Trump’s endorsement as a key factor in his campaign.
Campaign Finance and Endorsements
Mazzei’s victory came despite Drummond outraising him $2.3 million to $816,000 in the weeks leading up to the runoff. Both candidates loaned significant sums to their campaigns: Mazzei contributed $11 million, while Drummond contributed $3 million. Trump’s endorsement included a Truth Social post urging voters to support Mazzei, citing his business background and alignment with “America First” policies.
Next Steps
Mazzei will now focus on the general election, where he faces Munson, a 10-year incumbent in the Oklahoma House. Munson has not yet released her full campaign platform, but her party affiliation and legislative experience position her as the Democratic challenger in a heavily Republican-leaning state.