Former budget secretary says endorsement validates campaign’s conservative message as GOP primary field takes shape
President Donald Trump has endorsed former Oklahoma Secretary of Budget Mike Mazzei in the state’s 2026 Republican gubernatorial primary, handing Mazzei one of the most sought-after political endorsements in Oklahoma politics.
Trump announced his support Thursday in a post on Truth Social, praising Mazzei’s conservative credentials and service in state government.
“Mike Mazzei has my Complete and Total Endorsement for Governor of Oklahoma — HE WILL NOT LET YOU DOWN!” Trump wrote.
The endorsement comes as Republicans begin jockeying for position in what is expected to be a crowded race to succeed term-limited Gov. Kevin Stitt.
Mazzei, who served as Oklahoma secretary of budget under Stitt after previously representing Tulsa in the Oklahoma Senate, welcomed the endorsement Thursday evening and called it a tremendous honor.
“I am deeply honored by his confidence and grateful for his friendship and support,” Mazzei said in a message to supporters.
Mazzei said Trump understands “what’s at stake” in Oklahoma and argued the state needs “a proven conservative” focused on growing jobs, cutting taxes, protecting individual freedoms and standing up to the political establishment when necessary. He said the endorsement would not change the focus of his campaign, which he described as centered on Oklahoma families, values and the state’s future.
“Now it’s time to work even harder,” Mazzei said. “Let’s win this race, reclaim Oklahoma’s potential, and build a stronger future for the next generation.”
Trump’s backing could provide Mazzei with a significant advantage among Republican primary voters, who have overwhelmingly supported the president in recent elections. Oklahoma was one of Trump’s strongest states in both the 2020 and 2024 presidential elections.
Mazzei launched his gubernatorial campaign earlier this year and has emphasized his background in finance, economic development and state budgeting. Before joining the Stitt administration, he served in the Oklahoma Senate from 2004 to 2016 and was chairman of the Senate Finance Committee.
He is also the founder of Tulsa-based investment management firm Mezzanine Capital.
The Republican field is crowded. Those also running include Attorney General Gentner Drummond, former House Speaker Charles McCall and Chip Keating, the son of former Oklahoma Gov. Frank Keating. Former state Sen. Jake Merrick and several other Republican candidates have also entered the race.
The endorsement injects a new dynamic into the primary and gives Mazzei a powerful talking point as candidates compete for support from Oklahoma’s conservative base.
While Trump endorsements do not always determine the outcome of statewide races, they remain highly influential in Republican primaries, particularly in states such as Oklahoma where the president maintains strong support among GOP voters.
