Millions Raised In Oklahoma Governor Race Ahead Of Runoff

Millions Raised In Final Push For Oklahoma Governor Runoff

Millions raised in the Oklahoma governor race are fueling the final days of an already historically expensive Republican contest between Attorney General Gentner Drummond and former state Sen. Mike Mazzei.

New campaign finance reports show millions more flowing into the campaigns ahead of the Aug. 25 Republican runoff, with both candidates raising significant money from individual donors and political action committees while continuing to put their own money into the race.

The winner will advance to face Democratic nominee Cyndi Munson in November.

Millions Raised In Oklahoma Governor Race

Drummond raised approximately $2.47 million from individual donors and political action committees in the two months following the June 16 primary. He also loaned his campaign another $500,000, bringing his personal investment in the campaign to approximately $3 million.

Mazzei raised more than $1.54 million from individual contributors and political action committees during the same period. He also added another $710,000 of his own money, bringing his total personal campaign loans to approximately $11.6 million.

The latest figures come from campaign finance reports filed with the Oklahoma Ethics Commission, which oversees campaign finance disclosure requirements for candidates running for state office.

The new money adds another layer to a Republican primary that had already seen four leading candidates pour more than $22 million in personal loans into their campaigns before voters went to the polls in June.

Candidates Pour Personal Money Into Campaigns

Mazzei's personal investment remains one of the biggest financial forces in the race.

The Tulsa financial planner and former state senator has characterized the millions he has loaned his campaign as an investment in Oklahoma voters. He also enters the runoff with the endorsement of President Donald Trump.

Gov. Kevin Stitt and First Lady Sarah Stitt each contributed $3,300 to Mazzei's campaign during the latest reporting period.

Drummond, meanwhile, has raised concerns about the amount of personal wealth required to compete for statewide office. He has said Oklahoma should consider limits on candidate self-funding because otherwise qualified candidates may not have the financial resources necessary to mount competitive campaigns.

The millions raised and personally invested by both candidates are now financing the final advertising, campaign appearances and voter outreach before the runoff.

August 25 Runoff Comes Down To Two Candidates

The massive spending follows an extraordinarily close June Republican primary.

Drummond and Mazzei emerged as the top two candidates from the crowded field, but neither received enough votes to secure the nomination outright.

Republican voters will settle the race on Tuesday, Aug. 25, with the winner advancing to the November general election against Munson.

The Oklahoma State Election Board provides polling place information, absentee ballot details and election information for voters participating in the runoff.

With voting days away, the latest reports make one thing clear: millions raised in the Oklahoma governor race are helping fuel an expensive sprint to determine who will carry the Republican nomination into November.

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