Mazzei wins Oklahoma GOP governor nomination with Trump backing

Mike Mazzei, a former state senator and financial planner, narrowly won the Republican nomination for Oklahoma governor on Tuesday, securing a victory backed by former President Donald Trump and setting up a general election contest in the deeply conservative state. Mazzei defeated Attorney General Gentner Drummond by approximately 2,000 votes out of about 371,000 cast in the primary runoff.

In a speech to supporters, Mazzei expressed gratitude and credited Trump for helping him "across the finish line," noting the former president held a call on his behalf that drew 38,000 Republicans. Mazzei, who loaned his campaign at least $11.6 million, campaigned on a platform of eliminating the state income tax and ending property taxes for seniors and veterans. He also highlighted plans to prevent foreign land purchases and bolster education.

Drummond, who significantly outraised Mazzei in individual and PAC donations and loaned his campaign at least $3.5 million, conceded the race. "The voters had spoken and I respected their decision," Drummond told supporters. "We fought hard. We told the truth. We stood up for what we believed in." Drummond had campaigned on his record as attorney...