Munson proposed a moratorium on new data centers, while Mazzei outlined conditions for allowing them. Both promised to address the cost of living.
OKLAHOMA CITY — Cyndi Munson promised to halt new data-center projects on her first day as governor, while Mike Mazzei said Oklahoma should welcome them if developers pay their own way and meet requirements for location and water use.
The Democratic and Republican nominees differed on taxes, schools and health care during Thursday’s OETA debate, repeatedly returning to how they would make life more affordable for Oklahomans.
Munson argued that stronger public services would help families and attract employers. Mazzei said tax cuts, spending reforms and workforce training would produce better jobs and higher incomes.
The debate aired at 7 p.m. but was recorded at 10 a.m. to accommodate President Donald Trump’s visit to Durant, where Mazzei appeared that evening. OETA said the recording aired without editing. OETA said it was the only debate between the nominees scheduled before the Nov. 3 general election.
The full debate is available to stream on OETA’s website.
OETA said interviews with the independent candidates would air on Friday’s Oklahoma News Report at 7 p.m.
Data centers and the smelter
Munson, the House minority leader, D-Oklahoma City, said Oklahoma needs uniform requirements for data centers to protect residents from higher utility costs and demands on natural resources.
“I will sign an executive order putting a moratorium on any new data center projects,” she said.
Mazzei, a former state senator and state budget secretary, said the United States needs the computing capacity to compete in artificial intelligence. He outlined four conditions: no taxpayer funding, paying their own electricity costs without increasing other customers’ rates, locally approved industrial sites and advanced closed-loop cooling systems.
Both said residents should be protected from paying the projects’ electricity costs.
The candidates also disagreed over the proposed aluminum smelter in Inola and its public incentives.
Mazzei defended the project’s potential to create jobs and increase domestic aluminum production. He said independent evaluators should examine its effects on air and water. He also said Munson had supported SB 1000, which funded the project’s incentive program.
Munson responded that she had voted against the $255 million incentive and criticized using public money to support a foreign corporation.
The legislative record shows votes on two different measures. Munson opposed HB 2781, which created the incentive program, but supported the final SB 1000, which directed $255 million into its revolving fund.
Taxes and public services
Mazzei said he would seek to reduce the top individual income-tax rate from 4.5% to 3% in his first year by eliminating tax preferences, as part of his effort to end the tax entirely. He described the approach as a “revenue-neutral strategy.”
He also reiterated his proposal to eliminate homestead property taxes for seniors and veterans.
Munson criticized income-tax cuts and said the state should redirect existing revenue toward public education, health care, child care and infrastructure. She said she does not support tax increases on working families.
“Campaigning on cutting taxes is very, very easy. Governing is more difficult,” she said.
On housing, Mazzei emphasized economic growth and expanding skilled-trade training. Munson called for a higher minimum wage and partnerships with tribes and local leaders to increase housing options.
Schools and rural health care
Munson called for higher teacher and support-staff pay, more certified teachers and targeted funding for mental health and special education.
Mazzei supported school choice and said he would hire a statewide literacy director during his first week in office. He proposed following Mississippi’s approach to reading instruction, with phonics, reading coaches and accountability for third-grade proficiency.
Asked about financially vulnerable rural hospitals, Mazzei said acting on health care audit recommendations could free money for rural hospitals. He also proposed recruiting more physicians. He proposed exempting doctors starting their careers in Oklahoma from state income taxes for five years.
Munson defended Medicaid expansion and said rural hospitals and long-term care facilities are important both for access to care and for local economies. She challenged Mazzei’s emphasis on waste in the system, citing his previous roles in state government.
“If there was waste, fraud, and abuse, why didn’t he take care of it then?” she asked.
OETA and tribal relations
Munson committed to supporting OETA’s reauthorization and funding, citing its programming, news coverage and emergency alerts.
Mazzei praised the network’s journalism and programming but did not make the same commitment. After he discussed spending oversight, a moderator pressed him on whether he would consider reauthorization.
“We’ll have to see what the legislature does,” he said.
Both candidates favored rebuilding cooperation with Oklahoma’s tribal nations. Munson proposed appointing a secretary of Native American affairs and working with lawmakers to make the position permanent.
Mazzei emphasized negotiating agreements and pursuing partnerships on jobs, education and health care.
“It’s far better to negotiate than to litigate,” he said.
