Oklahoma's midterm primary runoff: Governor's race and Trump's influence on the ballot

Oklahoma Republicans are returning to the polls for a high-stakes runoff election to determine their gubernatorial candidate. The race has been an expensive affair, significantly testing the endorsement power of former President Donald Trump. The outcome will have considerable implications for the general election in November, especially since Democrats have not held the governorship in two decades.

In the contest for governor, State Attorney General Gentner Drummond and former state Senator Mike Mazzei are vying for the nomination. Both candidates fell short of the required majority in the initial primary, forcing this runoff. They have personally invested millions into their campaigns, with Mazzei loaning his campaign over $11 million and Drummond contributing $3 million. While Mazzei has spent more overall, Drummond has secured more in campaign contributions.

Trump endorsed Mazzei prior to the primary, while also criticizing Drummond. However, Trump's track record with endorsements in gubernatorial races has been mixed, with some candidates losing their bids or being forced into runoffs. The winner of the Oklahoma race will face Democratic state House Minority Leader Cyndi Munson in the general election.

Meanwhile, the U.S. Senate race also heads to a runoff. N'Kiyla Jasmine Thomas, a nurse, and attorney Jim Priest are competing for the Democratic nomination. Priest, despite a significant fundraising advantage, faces a challenge from Thomas. The winner will go on to challenge Republican U.S. Rep. Kevin Hern, who secured a decisive victory in his primary. Additionally, Oklahomans will vote on two statewide ballot measures, including one proposing a voter identification requirement for the state constitution.