Attorney General Gentner Drummond is taking legal action against the proposed aluminum smelter in Inola. Mike Mazzei, the Tulsa-based financial adviser and former state senator, earned an endorsement from President Donald Trump for his support of it.
Republican Oklahomans now get to decide by casting their vote for governor in the Aug. 25 runoff election: Will Drummond or Mazzei come out on top?
Drummond and Mazzei already faced off in the June 16 primary election. Drummond fronted $2.5 million to his campaign, and Mazzei put $10.9 million toward his — but that wasn’t enough to win outright. They needed to get a simple majority of votes the first time to avoid this runoff.
“I anticipated overcoming a Trump endorsement, I anticipated overcoming a weak candidate who flips,” Drummond said to media after his June 16 watch party. “Not every voter is going to agree with me, but every voter can, rest assured, they know where I stand, and I put Oklahoma first.”
In the June primary, Drummond finished with a slight lead over Mazzei — just more than 26% compared to just less than 26%.
“Now with the runoff election, there’s a clear difference between Mr. Drummond and me: I am the complete and total endorsement of President Donald Trump,” Mazzei said at his June 16 watch party. “I’m running for governor to move Oklahoma in a more conservative direction.”
Both Drummond and Mazzei have campaigned on key issues like lowering the cost of living and taxes. Here’s a breakdown of what they agree on, and where they split visions:
On taxes and cost of living for Oklahomans
- Both want to get rid of the state income tax. Drummond says they need to find a new way to recover that money first.
- Both say seniors and veterans need property tax relief. Mazzei wants to eliminate it for them altogether, while Drummond plans to strengthen the homestead exemption.
- Drummond reached a settlement agreement with the Public Service Company of Oklahoma that’d lower utility rate increases from $25 to $2.45 per month.
- Mazzei said in a News On 6 interview that lowering homeowners’ and auto insurance premiums should be a priority.
On education and government accountability
- Both advocate for an education system that works and keeps teachers in the state. They think reading proficiency by third grade and having workforce pathways are essential.
- Both want to invest in Oklahoma-based companies and expand apprenticeship programs. They think this will create a stronger workforce and high-paying jobs.
- Both underscored government accountability. They argue for more transparency and less wasteful spending. But Mazzei wants a Department of Government Efficiency, similar to Elon Musk’s DOGE effort under the Trump administration.
- Both want Oklahoma land to stay in Oklahoman’s hands. Drummond plans to get rid of foreign adversaries’ ability to own land, and Mazzei plans to require more disclosure and transparency.
On tribes, smelter and priorities
- Both told News 9 they need to work with tribal governments because it could help the state’s economy and enforce the state’s constitution about foreign land ownership.
- The proposed aluminum smelter, which is owned by a United Arab Emirates company, is controversial. Drummond told the Flyer it’d cause pollution and raise electricity bills. Mazzei told News 9 and News On 6 it’d be a huge economic opportunity.
- Both also had other important issues. Mazzei opposes abortion. Drummond wants to fix rural roads, expand affordable healthcare and address homelessness and mental health.
The winner of the Aug. 25 GOP runoff will face Democrat Cyndi Munson and independents Robert E. Brooks, Orlando Lynn Bush and Jerry Griffin in the Nov. 3 general election.
Read the Tulsa Flyer voter guide for information on what’s on the ballot, including Tulsa City Council candidates and state questions, as well as how to register to vote in the next election. You can also find answers to your voting questions in our Snapshot: Election Guide series. Early voting runs from Aug. 20-22.
News decisions at the Tulsa Flyer are made independently of our board members and financial supporters. Read more about our editorial independence policy here.
