Trump-Backed Mazzei Faces Drummond in Oklahoma GOP Runoff

Oklahoma Republicans head to the polls Tuesday for a high-stakes gubernatorial primary runoff between Tulsa businessman Mike Mazzei and state Attorney General Gentner Drummond. The winner will become the GOP nominee for governor, a position that has been held by Republicans for nearly two decades in this deeply conservative state.

Mazzei, 61, a former state senator and founder of an investment firm, has the backing of former President Donald Trump, who has repeatedly endorsed him on Truth Social. Trump has also sharply criticized Drummond, calling him a "FAKE Republican" and questioning his loyalty to the party. In a Monday evening call with Oklahoma Republicans, Trump said Drummond "does not stand for the values of Oklahoma" and would be "a disaster."

Drummond, 62, a rancher and former Air Force pilot, finished first in the June 16 primary among nine candidates, but by a narrow margin of about 1,100 votes out of 403,000 cast. Both he and Mazzei received roughly 26% of the vote, forcing the runoff.

The contest has been marked by heavy spending, with more than $9 million poured into television and digital ads during the 10-week runoff, according to ad-tracking firm AdImpact. That adds to nearly $40 million already spent in the race. Drummond has raised about $4.8 million more in cash contributions, while Mazzei has loaned his campaign at least $11.9 million.

Trump's endorsement of Mazzei has been a central issue. Drummond has suggested the endorsement was influenced by Mazzei's hiring of a consulting firm run by longtime Trump associate Roger Stone, which was paid $67,500, according to campaign finance records. Drummond has also criticized outgoing Governor Kevin Stitt, who endorsed Mazzei, saying the state has seen eight years of "mediocrity." Stitt, a Republican, is term-limited and has drawn Trump's ire over a dispute involving the National Governors Association.

The Democratic nominee, Oklahoma House Minority Leader Cyndi Munson, awaits the winner. A Democrat has not won the governor's race since 2006, and the GOP is heavily favored to retain the office in November.