Mike Mazzei, a Trump-backed businessman and former state senator, narrowly defeated Gentner Drummond, Oklahoma’s attorney general, in the Republican primary runoff for governor. Mazzei campaigned on sharply cutting taxes, including phasing out the state income tax over six years, and eliminating property taxes for seniors 65 and older. His support for a $4 billion aluminum smelter, financed by a United Arab Emirates company, drew Trump’s endorsement but faced opposition over foreign ownership and grid strain.

Drummond had sued to block the smelter and positioned himself as a more moderate tax-cutter. Mazzei self-funded over $11 million of his campaign, raising only $1.4 million from individual contributors. Both candidates faced negative ads, with Drummond called a “Trump hater” and Mazzei accused of hypocrisy for opposing foreign land ownership while backing the Emirati-backed project.

As the Republican nominee in a deeply red state, Mazzei is now favored against Democratic nominee Cyndi Munson in the November general election.