Trump-Endorsed Mike Mazzei, Gentner Drummond Advance in Oklahoma GOP Governor Race

Trump-endorsed former Oklahoma state Sen. Mike Mazzei and Oklahoma Attorney General Gentner Drummond advanced to the August 25 runoff in the state's Republican gubernatorial primary.

They defeated several other candidates seeking to replace term-limited Gov. Kevin Stitt. Stitt recently served as the top Republican at the National Governors Association.

Trump called Mazzei a "MAGA warrior" who "will never let you down." Until Trump's endorsement, Mazzei and Drummond were locked in a tight race with businessman Chip Keating and former Oklahoma House Speaker Charles McCall.

Trump noted he "won big" in Oklahoma, one of only two states with no blue counties in election results.

Mazzei is running on eliminating state property taxes, protecting state lands from foreign purchasers, increasing the state's literacy rate, and cutting government waste. Stitt appointed Mazzei as state budget director for part of his term.

Some critics targeted Mazzei for hiring former Nixon campaign figure and Trump ally Roger Stone as a political consultant. Mazzei told Oklahoma City's ABC affiliate that Stone is one of many advisers on his team and helpful for understanding developments in Washington.

Drummond is running on his record as attorney general, immigration enforcement efforts, service as a fighter pilot and ties to Trump. A statement on his campaign website said that when his nation called, Capt. Drummond answered with courage, leading the first U.S. combat mission of the Gulf War and earning the Distinguished Flying Cross.

Drummond highlighted his efforts fighting the Biden administration's policies on immigration and biological boys in girls' sports.

McCall ran on a platform of family, faith and moral leadership. He wants to abolish the state income tax and property tax.

Keating, who served in the Oklahoma Highway Patrol, noted he is the only former law enforcement officer running for governor.