Trump-Backed Mike Mazzei Wins Oklahoma GOP Governor Primary After Backing $4 Billion Smelter
Updated
Updated · The New York Times · Aug 26
Trump-Backed Mike Mazzei Wins Oklahoma GOP Governor Primary After Backing $4 Billion Smelter
3 articles · Updated · The New York Times · Aug 26
Summary
Mike Mazzei narrowly beat Attorney General Gentner Drummond in Oklahoma’s Republican gubernatorial runoff, giving the businessman the nomination in a deeply red state.
Trump’s endorsement became a central force in the race after Mazzei backed a $4 billion aluminum smelter and campaigned on steep tax cuts, including phasing out the state income tax over six years.
The smelter split Republicans because it is financed by a United Arab Emirates company and would draw heavily on Oklahoma’s power grid; Drummond had sued to block it.
Mazzei also poured more than $11 million of his own money into the campaign, far outspending his roughly $1.4 million in individual donations.
With Trump having carried Oklahoma with 66% in 2024, Mazzei now enters the November race against Democrat Cyndi Munson as the clear favorite.