Mike Mazzei reported winner of Oklahoma GOP governor runoff, pending certification

Tulsa businessman and former state Sen. Mike Mazzei is the reported Republican nominee for Oklahoma governor after narrowly defeating Attorney General Gentner Drummond in the Aug. 25 runoff.

The result is not final. The Oklahoma State Election Board says the posted totals are unofficial and unverified, and provisional-ballot results will not be included until after 5 p.m. Friday, Aug. 28. State and federal results are scheduled for certification Tuesday, Sept. 1, unless a recount petition or election contest changes the timetable.

Mazzei’s reported victory sets up a Nov. 3 general-election matchup with Democratic nominee Cyndi Munson, the Oklahoma House minority leader. The election is for an open seat because Republican Gov. Kevin Stitt is term-limited and cannot seek another term.

A runoff decided by a narrow margin

Mazzei defeated Drummond by about 2,000 votes, according to Public Radio Tulsa‘s account of the unofficial results. The margin was less than 1 percentage point.

The State Election Board cautions that results can change as provisional ballots are added. County election boards are scheduled to certify results no earlier than 5 p.m. Aug. 28, while state and federal results are scheduled for certification Sept. 1. A race subject to a recount petition or election contest cannot be certified until that process is completed.

Drummond conceded Tuesday night. He told supporters that voters had spoken and urged Mazzei to represent working families, farmers, teachers, firefighters and law enforcement.

“We do not surrender our convictions,” Drummond said, according to The Associated Press.

Trump’s endorsement shaped the campaign

President Donald Trump endorsed Mazzei in May and intensified his support before the runoff by attacking Drummond publicly. Trump also participated in a Monday evening call with Oklahoma Republicans.

Mazzei credited Trump with helping him win. The endorsement and the president’s attacks were major features of the runoff campaign, but the available reporting does not establish that Trump’s support alone determined the result.

The race also drew unusually heavy spending. More than $14 million was spent on television and digital advertising during the 10-week runoff campaign, most of it by independent groups, according to AdImpact data cited by AP. Nearly $40 million had been spent in the governor’s race before the runoff.

AP reported that Mazzei, 61, founded an investment management firm and served 12 years in the Oklahoma Senate. He also previously worked as a state budget official. The report said Mazzei financed much of his campaign through personal loans, while Drummond raised more in cash contributions.

What the November race means

Mazzei will face Munson in the Nov. 3 general election. Republicans have dominated Oklahoma statewide politics, and AP reported that no Democrat has won the governor’s race since 2006, but the general election remains unresolved.

Because Stitt cannot run again, the election will determine a new governor and the direction of the next administration on issues including taxes, education, economic development, public safety and state government.

The runoff followed a June 16 Republican primary with nine candidates. Drummond and Mazzei finished as the top two candidates with roughly 26% each, sending the contest to a runoff because neither won a majority.

What happens next

Election officials will continue processing provisional ballots after 5 p.m. Aug. 28. County certification is scheduled to begin after that deadline, and state and federal results are scheduled for certification Sept. 1.

Until certification is complete, Mazzei should be described as the reported Republican nominee rather than the officially certified nominee. The general election is scheduled for Tuesday, Nov. 3.

Sources

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