Trump-backed Mike Mazzei wins Oklahoma governor’s race

Former Oklahoma state Sen. Mike Mazzei (R) is projected to defeat Democratic state Rep. Cyndi Munson in the Sooner State’s gubernatorial race, according to Decision Desk HQ (DDHQ) .

Mazzei, who previously served as the state’s secretary of budget under Republican Gov. Kevin Stitt, will succeed the term-limited governor, keeping the office in GOP hands.

With just more than half of the ballots counted, Mazzei had almost 55 percent of the vote, DDHQ reported.

The Republican secured his party’s nomination in August after narrowly defeating Oklahoma Attorney General Gentner Drummond in a primary runoff.

President Trump endorsed Mazzei ahead of the runoff , while Drummond campaigned on his record as attorney general and sought to appeal to Trump’s supporters. The president also traveled to Oklahoma in October to rally Republicans behind the GOP hopeful.

Mazzei, a financial planner, made tax cuts a central part of his campaign. He proposed eliminating property taxes for seniors and veterans, reducing income taxes and cutting federal spending.

He also campaigned on improving education, restricting foreign ownership of land in the state and reducing government regulations.

Munson, the Democratic leader in the Oklahoma House, focused her campaign on affordability, public education and access to healthcare. She also opposed additional income tax cuts that she argued would disproportionately benefit wealthy residents.

The candidates differed over property tax relief, with Munson raising concerns that broad reductions could undermine funding for public schools and county services.

DDHQ rated the seat as “safe” for Republicans ahead of Election Day.