Full Breakdown
Oklahoma Primary Opens Senate and Governor Races Amid Test of Trump’s Influence
6/17/2026, 5:19:35 AM
Core Event: Open Senate and Governor Seats in Tuesday Primary
On Tuesday, Oklahoma voters cast ballots in a primary that featured two open statewide contests: the U.S. Senate seat vacated by former Secretary of Homeland Security Markwayne Mullin and the governor’s office, which is vacant because Governor Kevin Stitt is term-limited. Both races are contested exclusively by Republican candidates in the state’s deeply conservative electorate.
Background & Context: Recent Political Shifts and Trump’s Role
Markwayne Mullin resigned from the Senate in early 2023 to join President Donald Trump’s cabinet as DHS secretary. State law required an interim appointment; Republican Alan Armstrong, an energy executive, filled the seat temporarily but is barred from seeking a full term. Trump’s early endorsement of U.S. Representative Kevin Hern for the Senate kept other high-profile challengers from entering the race. In the governor’s contest, Trump endorsed former state Senator Mike Mazzei only a month before the primary, entering a crowded field after a public dispute with outgoing Governor Stitt that led Trump to label Stitt a “RINO” (Republican in Name Only).
Key Figures & Groups
- Kevin Hern – U.S. Representative, Trump-backed Senate candidate.
- Mike Mazzei – Former state Senator, Trump-endorsed governor candidate.
- Gentner Drummond – Oklahoma Attorney General, gubernatorial contender.
- Charles McCall – Former Oklahoma House Speaker, gubernatorial contender.
- Chip Keating – Former state public-safety director, gubernatorial contender.
- Alan Armstrong – Interim U.S. Senator, energy executive.
- Kevin Stitt – Outgoing governor, term-limited.
- Donald Trump – Former president, influential Republican endorser.
Data & Statistics: Fundraising Landscape
Campaign-finance filings show that the four leading gubernatorial candidates together raised more than $31 million, of which $22.5 million—approximately 72 % of the total—came from the candidates themselves. No comparable fundraising figures are provided for the Senate race in the source material.
Official Statements & Responses
President Trump publicly backed Kevin Hern early in the Senate contest and later announced his endorsement of Mike Mazzei for governor. Regarding Governor Stitt, Trump posted on social media that Stitt was a “RINO,” signaling disapproval of the incumbent’s actions as head of the National Governors Association.
Criticism & Opposition
Political observers note that the governor’s primary, featuring multiple high-profile Republicans, may serve as a barometer of Trump’s current sway within the party. While his early endorsement of Hern effectively cleared the Senate field, his late entry into the governor’s race suggests that his influence could be more limited when multiple candidates vie for the nomination.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
The sources do not provide polling data, the exact total number of gubernatorial candidates, or detailed policy positions of the contenders. Additionally, no direct statements from the candidates themselves are included, leaving a gap in understanding their individual campaign narratives.
Verbatim Quotes
“RINO,” meaning Republican in Name Only. — Donald Trump (social media)
What’s Next: Runoff Possibility and General Election Outlook
Oklahoma law requires a candidate to secure at least 50 % of the primary vote to avoid a runoff. If no gubernatorial candidate reaches that threshold, an August runoff will be scheduled. The winners of the primary will advance to the November general election, where the open Senate seat and governor’s office will be decided.
