AP Decision Notes: What to expect in Oklahoma’s state primary runoff

WASHINGTON (AP) — Oklahoma Republicans will return to the polls Tuesday to settle an expensive nomination fight for governor, while Democrats will pick a nominee for U.S. Voters will also decide two statewide ballot measures, including one that would add a voter identification requirement to the state constitution. The outcome of the gubernatorial primary to replace term-limited Republican Gov.

Kevin Stitt has major implications for the fall general election, as Democrats haven’t won the Oklahoma governorship in 20 years. It will also further test President Donald Trump’s endorsement power. State Attorney General Gentner Drummond and former state Sen.

Mike Mazzei were the top vote-getters among nine candidates in the June 16 primary, with Drummond just edging Mazzei, 26.25% to 25.97%. Both fell far short of the majority needed to avoid Tuesday’s runoff. Drummond narrowly carried Oklahoma and Cleveland counties in the Oklahoma City area, while Mazzei edged Drummond in Tulsa County.

The two split most of the counties in the Tulsa area. The two have poured millions from their personal fortunes into the race, with Mazzei loaning his campaign more than $11 million, compared with $3 million for Drummond, according to state campaign finance records. Mazzei has spent $12.3 million in the race overall, while Drummond has spent about $9.1 million.

Loans aside, Drummond has far outraised Mazzei in campaign contributions, $7.1 million to about $1.5 million. Trump endorsed Mazzei ahead of the primary, while also lobbing insults at Drummond. Trump’s picks overall in 2026 have had a strong record at the ballot box, but his endorsement is not a guarantee of victory, especially in gubernatorial primaries.

The president’s picks for Iowa governor and Georgia governor lost their nomination bids, while his pick for South Carolina governor was forced to a runoff and ultimately lost the nomination after the president also endorsed her opponent. The Oklahoma winner will face Democratic state House Minority Leader Cyndi Munson in the general election. Senate race, nurse N’Kiyla Jasmine Thomas received about 45% of the Democratic primary vote, short of the majority required to avoid a runoff.