WASHINGTON, D.C. – President Donald Trump stepped into Oklahoma’s gubernatorial race Friday, endorsing Republican candidate Mike Mazzei in a post on the president’s social media site, Truth Social.
Mazzei is one of nine Oklahoma Republican candidates seeking the GOP nomination for the post.
“It is my Great Honor to endorse MAGA Warrior, Mike Mazzei, who is running for Governor of Oklahoma, a State which I love, and WON BIG — All 77 out of 77 Counties in 2016, 2020, and 2024, and with the Highest Popular Vote Count, EVER!” Trump wrote.
“Mike Mazzei has my Complete and Total Endorsement to be the next Governor of Oklahoma — HE WILL NEVER LET YOU DOWN!,” the president wrote.
Trump wrote that Mazzei was “a successful Businessman, and former Chairman of the State Senate Finance Committee, and later, as Oklahoma’s Secretary of Budget, Mike knows the AMERICA FIRST Policies required to Grow our Economy, Create GREAT Jobs, Cut Taxes and Regulations, Promote MADE IN THE U.S.A., and Unleash American Energy DOMINANCE.”
Trump said Mazzei would “fight tirelessly to Support our Amazing Farmers and Ranchers, Keep our Border SECURE, Stop Migrant Crime, Ensure LAW AND ORDER, Strengthen our Military/Veterans, and Defend our always under siege Second Amendment.”
Mazzei is part of a crowded field seeking the GOP nomination for governor. That group includes Oklahoma Attorney General Gentner Drummond, businesswoman Jennifer Domenico-Tillett, former Rio Communities, New Mexico, City Manager Leisa Mitchell Haynes, former state Secretary of Public Safety Chip Keating, former state House Speaker Charles McCall, former state Sen. Jake Merrick, businessman Kenneth Sturgell, and boilermaker and millwright Calup Anthony Taylor all seeking the party’s nomination. Mazzei said he was “deeply honored by his confidence and grateful for his friendship and support.” “President Trump understands what’s at stake,” Mazzei wrote. “Oklahoma needs a proven conservative who knows how to grow jobs, cut taxes, protect our freedoms, defend our land, and stand up to the political establishment when it gets in the way of common sense.
“This campaign has always been about Oklahoma, our families, our values, and our future. Today’s endorsement is a tremendous honor, and the mission remains the same.
“Now it’s time to work even harder.
“Let’s win this race, reclaim Oklahoma’s potential, and build a stronger future for the next generation,” he said.
The Oklahoma Primary Election is set for June 16.
M. Scott Carter is an award-winning political and investigative reporter with more than 40 years’ experience covering federal and state government and politics in Oklahoma. He can be reached at scott. carter@swoknews.com.