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Politics

Mike Mazzei and Gentner Drummond compete in Oklahoma GOP gubernatorial runoff

The primary winner to replace term-limited Gov. Kevin Stitt will advance to the general election in the heavily conservative state.

The short version

  • Tulsa businessman Mike Mazzei and state Attorney General Gentner Drummond are competing in Tuesday's Republican primary runoff for Oklahoma governor.
  • Donald Trump endorsed Mazzei and criticized Drummond, who suggested Mazzei gained the endorsement by hiring a consulting firm tied to Roger Stone.
  • The nominee will face Democratic candidate Cyndi Munson in the November general election.

Key facts

  • Gentner Drummond finished about 1,100 votes ahead of Mike Mazzei in the first round of voting on June 16, with both candidates drawing roughly 26% of the vote.[Associated Press]
  • The Republican runoff winner will replace term-limited Gov. Kevin Stitt and face Democratic nominee Cyndi Munson in November.[Associated Press]
  • Donald Trump endorsed Mazzei in May and criticized Drummond over past statements regarding Trump's 2021 impeachment.[Associated Press]
  • Drummond suggested Mazzei secured Trump's backing by paying $67,500 to a consulting firm connected to Roger Stone.[Associated Press]
  • The 10-week runoff period generated over $9 million in advertising spending, following nearly $40 million spent prior to the first primary round.[Associated Press]
  • Mazzei self-funded his campaign with at least $11.9 million in personal loans, while Drummond loaned his campaign at least $3.5 million.[Associated Press]

What remains uncertain

  • The final winner of Tuesday's runoff vote has not yet been determined.[Associated Press]

Sources