Republican candidate for governor highlights broad coalition as both campaigns increasingly rely on endorsements ahead of the Aug. 25 runoff.
OKLAHOMA CITY — Republican candidate for governor Gentner Drummond on Thursday showcased support from law enforcement, education, construction and elected leaders during a campaign event highlighting the coalition backing his bid as the Aug. 25 Republican runoff enters its final month.
Speaking at the Oklahoma City Fraternal Order of Police Lodge 123, Drummond said his campaign is built around working alongside the people who provide public services rather than directing them from the Capitol.
“Government works best when leaders respect the people doing the work,” Drummond said. “The next Governor doesn’t need to have all the answers. The next Governor needs to listen, build partnerships, and work alongside the people who protect our communities, educate our children, and serve Oklahoma every day.”
The campaign said Thursday that the Oklahoma Fraternal Order of Police and the Association of Oklahoma General Contractors endorsed Drummond’s candidacy. It also said Canadian County Sheriff Chris West endorsed the campaign in his capacity as sheriff and Rep. Mike “Chief” Kelley endorsed Drummond as a state representative. Sabra Tucker participated in the event on behalf of the Oklahoma Retired Educators Association.
The event featured remarks from Mark Nelson, president of the Oklahoma City Fraternal Order of Police Lodge 123; West; Bobby Stem, executive director of the Association of Oklahoma General Contractors; Kelley; and Tucker before concluding with an endorsement group photo.
Drummond told supporters his experience as Oklahoma attorney general and a Gulf War combat fighter pilot has reinforced the importance of working with law enforcement, educators, prosecutors, tribal partners and local communities to solve problems.
“As Attorney General, I’ve learned that the strongest solutions come from the people doing the work every day,” Drummond said. “That’s exactly how I’ll govern as Governor. I’ll stand with our first responders, support our educators, respect our public employees, and work with our sheriffs to build safer communities and a stronger Oklahoma.”
The event reflects how both Republican runoff campaigns have increasingly relied on endorsements to reinforce their messages and appeal to different parts of the Republican coalition before voting begins.
Drummond’s campaign highlights support from community leaders, Republican legislators, sheriffs, public safety organizations and professional associations. Its public supporters list includes dozens of Republican lawmakers, more than two dozen county sheriffs and organizations representing firefighters, police officers, public employees, health care professionals and contractors.
Mazzei, meanwhile, has emphasized endorsements from President Donald Trump, Gov. Kevin Stitt, U.S. Rep. Josh Brecheen, former Attorney General John O’Connor, Republican legislators, county officials and business leaders as he seeks to consolidate conservative support in the runoff.
While both candidates have assembled broad Republican coalitions, each has emphasized different parts of that support. Thursday’s event highlighted Drummond’s backing from public safety organizations, educators, contractors and public officials, while Mazzei has more frequently showcased endorsements from elected officials, conservative political leaders and President Donald Trump.
Drummond said his administration would focus on lowering costs for Oklahoma families, strengthening public safety, improving education and ensuring state government works in partnership with those who provide essential public services.
“This election is about trust,” Drummond said. “You may not always agree with me, but you’ll always know where I stand. I’ll always stand with the people who serve Oklahoma, because leadership begins with trust.”
