Oklahoma Governor race: Former State Sen. Mike Mazzei announces candidacy

Former Oklahoma State Sen. Mike Mazzei announced his candidacy to run for governor in 2026. Mazzei also served as Secetary of Budget under Gov. Kevin Stitt from 2019 to 2020.

Monday, March 31st 2025, 6:32 am

By: Christian Hans

Former Oklahoma State Senator Mike Mazzei announced he is running for governor.

Mazzei served as an Oklahoma State Senator, representing District 25, after winning the Republican primary election for the district in 2004. Mazzei faced no opposition from the Democratic or Independent parties.

During Mazzei's time in the Senate, he pushed for tax cuts, pension reform and getting rid of ineffective tax credits.

After his time in the Senate came to an end in 2016, Mazzei joined Oklahoma Gov. Kevin Stitt as his Secretary of Budget from 2019 to 2020.

Mazzei joins the race against current Oklahoma Attorney General Gentner Drummond, former House Speaker Charles McCall, and Leisa Haynes, who was a city manager in New Mexico.