by Chloe Dent
Republican candidate for Oklahoma governor Mike Mazzei is campaigning on lower taxes, government accountability, education reform, economic growth and protecting Oklahoma land as he prepares to face Democratic nominee Cyndi Munson in the Nov. 3 general election.
Mazzei, a Tulsa businessman and former Oklahoma state senator, defeated Attorney General Gentner Drummond in the Republican runoff Aug. 25 by slightly more than 2,000 votes. He will face Munson, the House Democratic leader, along with three independent candidates in the general election.
Mazzei served 12 years in the Oklahoma Senate before later serving as Oklahoma’s Secretary of Budget under Gov. Kevin Stitt. His campaign emphasizes his background in financial planning and state budgeting as the foundation for his approach to government.
In his victory speech following the runoff, Mazzei described three principles he said would guide his decisions as governor.
“I will make decisions through three filters,” Mazzei said. “One, the Bible; two, the Constitution; and I’m a money guy, so three, can we afford it?”
Taxes and the Economy
Reducing taxes and encouraging economic growth are central to Mazzei’s campaign. His campaign has proposed making Oklahoma a no-income-tax state and eliminating property taxes on homesteads for seniors and veterans.
Mazzei has argued that lowering taxes would encourage economic growth and increase wages.
“I’ve got a great economic plan by making Oklahoma a no income tax state and abolishing property taxes for seniors and veterans. That will boost economic growth and wages past the rate of inflation,” Mazzei said in an August interview with KOCO.
His campaign’s property-tax plan specifically calls for removing homesteads from property taxes for Oklahomans 65 and older. Mazzei’s campaign argues that rising property valuations have placed increasing financial pressure on seniors and families.
“Seniors shouldn’t have to pay rent to the government for the rest of their lives,” the campaign states.
Mazzei has also emphasized reducing regulations on businesses and expanding career and technical education programs to connect workers with available jobs. His campaign says Oklahoma should focus on attracting investment while supporting businesses already operating in the state.
“Oklahomans don’t want a handout. They want a fair shot,” the campaign states.
Education
Education is another major part of Mazzei’s platform. His campaign has proposed prioritizing reading proficiency, expanding career and technical education, increasing teacher pay and increasing parental involvement in education decisions. It also calls for a statewide focus on literacy.
During the Republican primary campaign, Mazzei proposed hiring a statewide literacy director and using Mississippi’s literacy program as a model.
“Unacceptable, and that’s why I will hire a statewide literacy director in week No. 1 of my administration to get to work on replicating the very successful Mississippi model,” Mazzei said in the KOCO article.
His campaign describes the goal of education as preparing students for life after high school.
“A diploma should represent readiness, not just completion,” the campaign states.
Government Accountability
Government spending and accountability are also central themes of Mazzei’s campaign. His platform calls for creating a Department of Government Efficiency, tying agency budgets to measurable results and requiring programs to demonstrate their effectiveness before receiving continued funding.
“Accountability isn’t partisan. It’s what taxpayers deserve,” his campaign states.
The campaign also argues that the government should operate within its means and reduce unnecessary spending.
“You don’t fix the government with speeches. You fix it with systems,” the campaign states.
Mazzei has said he would also work with Democrats on some of his proposals if elected.
“As governor, I will also engage every Democrat that wants to be a part of creating a new tax code where we stop losing companies’ headquarters,” Mazzei told KOCO.
He also said Democrats would be invited to participate in his proposed statewide literacy program.
Right to Life
Abortion is another stated position of Mazzei’s campaign. His campaign website states that he believes life begins at conception and that the government has a responsibility to protect human life. It also states that Mazzei “opposes abortion in all circumstances.”
Protecting Oklahoma Land
Mazzei has also made land ownership and economic development priorities of his campaign. His campaign proposes prohibiting foreign governments and foreign-controlled companies from owning Oklahoma land, closing ownership loopholes and requiring greater transparency in large land purchases. It also calls for stronger protections for agricultural land and Oklahoma landowners.
“Oklahoma should not be for sale to hostile or unaccountable foreign entities,” his campaign states.
Mazzei has also addressed large economic-development projects, including the proposed aluminum smelter in Inola. The morning after winning the Republican nomination, Mazzei said he would support an independent review of the project’s permitting and safety procedures.
Looking Toward November
Mazzei’s campaign has received the endorsement of former President Donald Trump, who continued to support him through the Republican runoff. Trump publicly endorsed Mazzei before the June primary, and Mazzei thanked Trump for his support following his runoff victory.
Following his nomination, Mazzei said his campaign would continue emphasizing economic growth, education and tax reductions.
“We’re grateful and honored to be the Republican nominee, to be Oklahoma’s next governor,” Mazzei told KOCO. “We’re going to continue talking about my plan to create more growth.”
Mazzei and Munson will face each other in the Nov. 3 general election, with three independent candidates also appearing on the ballot.
