Full Breakdown
Republican Primary Runoffs Shape Oklahoma and Alabama Midterms
6/18/2026, 12:06:10 AM
Core Election Results & Context
Oklahoma’s June 2026 primary, driven by term limits, retirements and a Trump appointment of Sen. Markwayne Mullin to the Department of Homeland Security, produced a Republican Senate nominee—Rep. Kevin Hern—who secured over 50 percent, avoiding a runoff. The governor’s race advanced to a runoff on Aug. 25 between Attorney General Gentner Drummond and former state senator Mike Mazzei. In Alabama, the open Senate seat vacated by Sen. Tommy Tuberville led to a Republican runoff won by Rep. Barry Moore, who led by roughly 60 percent to 40 percent over former Navy SEAL Jared Hudson.
Candidates & Endorsements
Oklahoma’s Senate contest featured Kevin Hern, who received Trump’s endorsement, against a field of Republicans and Democrats. The gubernatorial field included Drummond, Mazzei (endorsed by Trump), Chip Keating, and Charles McCall. Alabama’s Senate race pitted Barry Moore (Trump-endorsed) against Jared Hudson, a former Navy SEAL without Trump’s backing.
Vote Totals & Funding
Oklahoma has about 2.4 million registered voters (1.3 million Republicans, 614 k Democrats, 495 k independents). Early voting produced roughly 35 k ballots. Hern’s campaign held $6.8 million cash; his Democratic opponent Jim Priest had $118 k. Mazzei raised $11.5 million, $10.9 million personal; Drummond raised $7.2 million, $2.5 million personal, together contributing $22.5 million of personal money to a total $31 million raised. Alabama’s voter rolls total about 3.8 million; the May 19 primary recorded 482 k Republican votes in the Senate race. Moore led the first round with ~39 percent, Hudson with ~25 percent, and the runoff projected a 60-40 margin for Moore.
Implications
The GOP nominees will contest statewide offices in two solidly Republican states, shaping Senate composition and gubernatorial leadership. Trump’s endorsements aligned with the winners, underscoring his influence. Oklahoma voters also rejected State Question 832, a $15-hour minimum-wage proposal, with about 55 percent voting “No.”
Official Statements & Criticism
Hern pledged bipartisan cooperation while championing “Oklahoma ideologies.” Drummond said the runoff was expected and urged Mazzei to “earn” broader support, questioning the durability of Mazzei’s Trump endorsement with “who knows?” Mazzei called his advancement “Wow.” Moore highlighted his direct line to Trump and job-creation plans for Alabama. Hudson framed his campaign as a “warrior for President Trump’s America First agenda,” criticizing Moore’s Washington ties and labeling him a career politician.
Verbatim Quotes
- “We have a lot of friends in a lot of different states, including blue states,” — Kevin Hern, U.S. Representative
- “Mr. Mazzei got a bump, but now he’s got to earn the rest,” — Gentner Drummond, Attorney General
- “Barry Moore has my complete and total endorsement. He’s the best America First candidate you can imagine,” — Donald Trump, former President
What’s Next
Oklahoma’s gubernatorial runoff occurs on Aug. 25, with the general election on Nov. 3. Alabama’s Senate contest will appear on the November ballot, where the GOP nominee will face Democratic opponents in a race that could affect the Senate’s narrow partisan balance.
