Mazzei Holds Narrow Lead in Oklahoma Governor Race With Most Votes Counted

From Left: Gentner Drummond and Mike Mazzei/Photos by the Amarillo Pioneer

Former Oklahoma State Sen. Mike Mazzei looked set to clinch the Republican nomination for governor on Tuesday night, holding a narrow lead with most votes reported.

As of press time, Mazzei was leading State Attorney General Gentner Drummond with 50.27 percent of the vote to Drummond’s 49.73 percent. Mazzei’s lead was just over 2,000 votes with approximately 99 percent of the vote reported.

It remains to be seen whether a recount will occur in the race or whether any late reported votes will shift the election in Drummond’s direction. However, if the numbers hold, Mazzei will have won a bruising Republican primary contest that featured heavy advertising on both sides, questions about the candidates’ health, their Republican loyalties, and their track records in office. Mazzei was boosted by an endorsement from President Donald Trump, which also helped his standing in the race.

The winner of the runoff will face Democrat Cyndi Munson in the November general election.