Tulsa businessman Mike Mazzei won the Republican nomination for Oklahoma governor on Tuesday, following support from former President Donald Trump, who criticized Mazzei's opponent, state Attorney General Gentner Drummond, on social media. In a post on Truth Social, Trump reaffirmed his endorsement of Mazzei and labeled Drummond a "FAKE Republican." Both candidates had received approximately 26% of the vote in the initial primary on June 16, leading a nine-person field.
The runoff campaign involved over $14 million in advertising, primarily from independent groups, with much of it being negative, according to AdImpact. This amount is in addition to nearly $40 million spent in the lead-up to the runoff.
Mazzei expressed gratitude to Trump for his support, highlighting a "telerally" call that attracted 38,000 participants. In his remarks to supporters in Tulsa, Mazzei emphasized his Christian faith and its role in his recovery from a serious car accident in 2008, stating that the Bible would guide his decision-making.
Mazzei is now positioned to succeed term-limited GOP Governor Kevin Stitt in the November general election against Democratic nominee Cyndi Munson, who serves as the Oklahoma House Minority Leader. A Democrat has not won the governor's race in Oklahoma since 2006.
Mazzei, 61, is the founder of an investment management firm and has served 12 years in the state Senate. Drummond, 62, is a rancher, attorney, and former Air Force pilot, elected attorney general in 2022. After conceding the race, Drummond acknowledged Mazzei as a "fierce competitor" and urged him to represent all Oklahomans, not just those with significant financial influence.
Trump criticized Drummond for his comments during a congressional hearing regarding Trump's impeachment following the January 6 attack on the U.S. Capitol. Drummond, who raised approximately $4.8 million more than Mazzei, suggested that Mazzei's endorsement was influenced by hiring a consulting firm linked to Trump associate Roger Stone.
Both candidates have criticized Governor Stitt, who endorsed Mazzei. Trump previously labeled Stitt a "RINO" during a dispute over White House event invitations, while Drummond described Stitt's tenure as marked by "mediocrity and flipping."