Ken Paxton Wins Texas GOP Primary Runoff with Trump’s Endorsement
Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton achieved a noteworthy victory over incumbent Senator John Cornyn in the Republican primary runoff, all thanks to the endorsement from former President Donald Trump. According to political strategist Cassie Smedile, Trump’s backing continues to hold strong appeal among Republican voters. Following this win, Paxton is gearing up to take on Democratic candidate James Talarico in the upcoming general election, which underlines the heated political climate in Texas.
Meanwhile, in Oklahoma, Mike Mazzei, a former state senator and financial planner, clinched the GOP nomination for governor in a primary runoff on Tuesday night, also bolstered by Trump’s support. He surpassed Genter Drummond, the current Oklahoma attorney general, and is now seen as the frontrunner to lead the Sooner State. This victory also marks a triumph for outgoing Governor Kevin Stitt, who has had a contentious relationship with Drummond for quite some time.
The rivalry between Stitt and Drummond has been marked by a series of lawsuits and public exchanges. Stitt has even called Drummond a “longtime political enemy.” Their dispute largely revolves around Drummond’s criticism of Oklahoma poultry companies regarding phosphorus pollution in local water sources, which Stitt has labeled as an overreach, suggesting such actions could endanger jobs and the agricultural sector.
Stitt expressed his support for Mazzei, emphasizing the need for a pro-business approach in the forthcoming governor’s term.
Due to term limits, Stitt can’t run for re-election, which opened the door for multiple candidates in the GOP race. However, after the initial primary held on June 2, no one managed to secure the requisite 50% support to win outright.
This led to the runoff between Mazzei and Drummond.
Like Stitt, Trump also endorsed Mazzei, labeling him a “MAGA warrior.” In a post on Truth Social, Trump noted Mazzei’s impressive background as a businessman and his experience as chairman of the State Senate Finance Committee and Secretary of Budget, asserting that he understands the policies crucial for economic growth.
Mazzei’s campaign platform includes tax cuts and various government reforms. He claimed in an Instagram video his plan aims to eliminate Oklahoma’s income tax within six years and also eliminate property taxes for seniors and veterans. Additionally, he wants to prevent foreign nationals from acquiring state land while improving the education system and ensuring accountability in government spending.
In his campaign, Mazzei has positioned Drummond as a so-called “fake Republican,” arguing that Drummond’s solutions often involve raising taxes and expanding government. He criticized Drummond’s financial understanding, implying that wealth should be earned rather than inherited.
Drummond, a rancher and former fighter pilot, promoted his record as attorney general, emphasizing his tough stance on crime and his efforts against illegal drug operations, which he highlights on his website. He has also committed to continuing the fight for freedom and defending core values.
Following Mazzei’s primary win, he’s set to face off against Democratic nominee Cyndi Munson, who serves as the House minority leader in the Oklahoma House of Representatives. The general election is scheduled for November 3.
The Club for Growth, a group that advocates for lower taxes and free-market ideals, celebrated Mazzei’s victory, praising him as a principled conservative while criticizing Drummond for his stance on education. They implied that anyone opposing school freedom while claiming to be a Republican is likely to face electoral consequences.
