Oklahoma voters have chosen continuity in the governor’s office, electing former state senator Mike Mazzei to succeed term-limited Governor Kevin Stitt and extending Republican control of the state’s highest executive position for at least another four years. Mazzei, a Republican who previously served as Stitt’s secretary of budget, defeated Democratic state Representative Cyndi Munson by six percentage points in Tuesday’s election, KTUL reported. He will become Oklahoma’s 29th governor when he takes office January 11 at the Oklahoma State Capitol, marking a transition of power within the GOP as Stitt prepares to leave office due to term limits.
The result keeps the governor’s office in Republican hands as Mazzei takes office January 11 to pursue priorities including growing the economy and removing barriers to prosperity. During his victory speech Tuesday night, the governor-elect outlined a platform focused on pocketbook issues, public safety, and community development, promising to create more high-paying jobs and ensure wages grow faster for Oklahoma families while removing barriers to economic prosperity across the state.
Mazzei’s Economic Blueprint for the Sooner State
Standing before supporters in his victory speech, Mazzei emphasized that his administration would prioritize economic expansion and workforce development throughout Oklahoma. He called for unity in delivering better employment opportunities, specifically targeting high-paying positions that allow families to build stable futures and achieve greater financial security.
“That is why we must come together to provide more great high-paying jobs, wages that grow faster,” Mazzei said during his address.
Beyond job creation, Mazzei pledged to improve public safety and strengthen Oklahoma’s cities and communities, framing his vision around making the state a place where residents can build successful lives. He specifically committed to removing barriers that prevent Oklahomans from achieving greater economic security and prosperity, signaling that his administration will focus on both immediate safety concerns and long-term economic mobility. The incoming governor’s emphasis on high-paying employment and wage growth suggests a continued focus on economic competitiveness as he prepares to take office at the State Capitol in January, building on the budgetary experience he gained serving in Stitt’s administration.
From Budget Secretary to Chief Executive
Mazzei’s victory caps a political journey that included service in the Oklahoma State Senate and a tenure as Governor Stitt’s secretary of budget, a role that gave him direct experience managing the state’s fiscal operations. During his victory speech, he thanked voters, campaign workers, and supporters across Oklahoma for his trust in his candidacy, while also recognizing Munson for her campaign and thanking Stitt for his years of service to the state.
Drawing on his personal history of facing challenges throughout his life and political career, Mazzei encouraged Oklahomans dealing with difficult times to remain hopeful and continue working toward their goals.
“No matter what hard times you are dealing with, never, ever give up,” Mazzei said.
Transition Begins as January 11 Inauguration Approaches
The transition to Mazzei’s administration will begin in the coming weeks as he prepares to succeed Stitt, with the governor-elect already laying groundwork for his arrival at the State Capitol. He is scheduled to take office January 11, where he will immediately begin working to implement his priorities for economic growth, job creation, and public safety while supporting the state’s cities and communities.
Mazzei defeated Munson by six percentage points and outlined priorities including wages that grow faster, economic security, and removing barriers to prosperity. The Republican governor-elect’s win keeps the governor’s office in GOP hands as Mazzei prepares to work toward economic security and prosperity for Oklahomans.