Former state Sen. Mike Mazzei narrowly defeated Oklahoma Attorney General Gentner Drummond on Tuesday in the state’s Republican gubernatorial primary runoff election.
Mazzei received 50.3 percent of the vote to Drummond’s 49.7 percent, according to The Associated Press. He will face state House Minority Leader Cyndi Munson, a Democrat, in the Nov. 3 general election. Incumbent Gov. Kevin Stitt is term limited.
Mazzei says his plan to abolish the state income tax, eliminate property taxes for seniors and veterans, and implement phonics-based reading curricula in schools will put him in the governor’s mansion in November.
Mazzei accused Drummond of lying about him and his state senate record. He also repeatedly mentioned that President Donald Trump labeled Drummond a “Republican In Name Only,” or RINO.
Drummond criticized Mazzei for flip-flopping on a proposed aluminum smelter at the Port of Inola, east of Tulsa. The attorney general has sued to block the project over environmental concerns and its foreign ownership.
Mazzei originally opposed the project based on hundreds of millions of dollars in state tax incentives, including power discounts, that the project was to receive, including a $500 million grant from the U.S. Department of Energy.
But just days before he received Trump’s endorsement, Mazzei announced that the president had explained the national defense and economic benefits of the smelter project.
During an Aug. 3 debate, Mazzei said he would hire a third-party monitor to ensure the smelter complied with all environmental laws.
“I will make sure the land and cattle are safe,” Mazzei said.
Mazzei also vowed to work closely with the Trump administration on trade, immigration, and other issues, because he believes Trump wants to see Oklahoma prosper.
Democratic opponent Munson, a 10-year veteran of the Oklahoma House of Representatives, said she has a plan that will resonate with voters.
Munson, the daughter of a single father, said she has spent her years in the House getting in touch with everyday Oklahomans.
According to her campaign website, Munson would support increased education spending, including a raise for teachers.
The website states that Munson supported the effort to eliminate the state sales tax on groceries in 2024, which she called the largest individual tax cut in state history.
“She will work with leaders on both sides of the aisle to find more relief,” the website states.
Munson says she will also would work to reduce healthcare costs and to repeal Oklahoma’s ban on abortion.
During an interview with local media early in her campaign, Munson said that her 10 years in the legislature has shown her what is important to average Oklahomans.
“The things that I’m hearing have less to do with partisan issues and more about leaders who understand the everyday lives of Oklahomans,” Munson said.
All five of the state’s congressional districts will be on the general election ballot. The party primaries for the House of Representatives shook out as follows.
Republican Mark Tedford will face Democratic nominee John Croisant in the general election.
District 1 incumbent Kevin Hern is running for the U.S. Senate.
Republican incumbent Josh Brecheen will defend his District 2 seat against Democratic nominee Brandon Wade and Independent Ronnie Hopkins.
In District 3, incumbent Frank Lucas will run against Democratic nominee Suzy Byrd.
The District 4 general election ballot will pit Republican incumbent Tom Cole, Democrat Mitchell Jacob, and Independent Rocco Bonacci against one another in a three-way race.
The District 5 race will come down to Republican incumbent Stephanie Bice, independents Austin Nieves and Robert Henri, and Democrat Jena Nelson.