Trump-Backed Mazzei Captures Oklahoma GOP Governor Nomination in Tight Runoff

NBC News projects that former state senator Mike Mazzei, backed by Donald Trump, won the Oklahoma GOP gubernatorial nomination in a tight runoff against Attorney General Gentner Drummond. The race followed a closely contested June primary, with Drummond leading by a small margin. Despite fundraising gaps, Mazzei benefited from the Trump endorsement and large campaign loans, and is now the heavy favorite to win in November against Democrat Cyndi Munson. The campaign also spotlighted policy divides, including Mazzei’s support for a proposed aluminum plant in Inola that Drummond opposed.