Trump Endorsement Boosts Mike Mazzei in Oklahoma Governor Race
President Donald Trump's endorsement is shaking up the race for Oklahoma governor. A new poll shows former state senator and budget secretary Mike Mazzei surging into a virtual tie with Attorney General Gentner Drummond, just twelve days before the Republican primary. For Iowa voters tracking the power of the Trump endorsement, the Oklahoma race offers a clear look at how the America First agenda continues to shape conservative politics.
A survey from JMC Analytics and Polling conducted on June 2 and 3 reveals that Trump's endorsement is already moving the needle. Mazzei captured 24 percent of the hypothetical vote among likely Republican primary voters, while Drummond landed at 20 percent. Because the poll's margin of error stands at 4.18 percent, the two candidates are statistically tied. In surveys among different pollsters earlier this year, Mazzei had rarely placed first.
The rest of the crowded field trails behind. Former Oklahoma State Senator Jake Merrick grabbed 12 percent, while ex-Secretary of Public Safety Chip Keating pulled in 10 percent. Former Oklahoma Speaker of the House Charles McCall garnered 7 percent, with other candidates falling below 3 percent. A full 25 percent of voters remain undecided, leaving plenty of room for late momentum.
Conservative Policies Drive Mazzei's Momentum
Mazzei credits his sudden momentum to his alignment with the president's conservative policy goals. He believes voters are hungry for leaders who will actually drain the swamp and stand up to government overreach. In a statement on Thursday, Mazzei made it clear that his priorities match the Trump platform.