Oklahoma – Oklahoma Gov. Kevin Stitt congratulated Governor-elect Mike Mazzei following his election victory, saying the incoming administration will inherit a stronger state after eight years of efforts to reduce government spending, cut taxes and improve public services.
In a November 4 statement, Stitt described Mazzei’s victory as an opportunity to continue Oklahoma’s economic momentum, praising the Republican businessman for understanding the importance of responsible government spending.
“Congratulations to my friend Mike Mazzei on being elected the 29th Governor of Oklahoma,” Stitt said. “Mike is a businessman who understands that every dollar the government spends belongs to the taxpayer. Electing business leaders back-to-back is how we build on Oklahoma’s incredible momentum from the past eight years.”
Mazzei defeated Democratic candidate Cyndi Munson in the November 3 gubernatorial election, securing approximately 52% of the vote to Munson’s 45.9%, according to election results reported by KOCO. He will succeed Stitt, who was unable to seek another term because of term limits. The Associated Press also reported Mazzei’s victory, identifying him as a Tulsa businessman who previously served in the Oklahoma Senate from 2004 to 2016 and later worked as the state’s budget secretary.
Stitt used the announcement to highlight several accomplishments from his administration, including increased education funding, tax reductions and a significant expansion of state savings. According to the governor’s office, annual state funding for public education increased from $2.91 billion to $4.2 billion over the past eight years.
The administration also reported cutting $1.6 billion in taxes, while state savings are projected to reach approximately $4.5 billion in fiscal year 2027, compared with $451.6 million in fiscal year 2019.
Other changes highlighted by Stitt include reducing the state’s aircraft fleet from 17 planes to five, eliminating more than 1,500 vehicles from the state fleet and reducing the number of state employees.
The governor also pointed to improvements in services for people with developmental disabilities, saying the waiting list was reduced by nearly 66%, while the reported wait time dropped from 13 years to approximately 13 to 14 months.
“Over the last eight years, I’ve pushed state agencies and the Legislature to keep budgets flat and make government more efficient. All the while, we’ve delivered better results for taxpayers,” Stitt said.
“We’re handing the next administration a strong foundation, and I’m excited to see Mike build on it. This is about leaving Oklahoma better than we found it and keeping our foot on the gas,” he added.
Mazzei’s victory comes as Republicans maintain control of Oklahoma’s statewide government and retain supermajorities in both chambers of the state Legislature.
However, Democrats made gains in several legislative races, flipping at least five seats in the Oklahoma House of Representatives, according to KOSU’s election coverage. Stitt said he believes the incoming administration can build on the policies and financial position established during his two terms, with an emphasis on government efficiency, transparency and accountability.
Oklahoma Gov. Stitt congratulates Mazzei on election victory, says ‘Mike understands that every dollar the government spends belongs to the taxpayer’
