The Oklahoma Republican Party State Committee formally endorsed Mike Mazzei, James Taylor, and Kevin West, giving its support to the only OKGOP Certified candidates remaining in the Republican runoff for the races of Governor, Superintendent of Public Instruction, and Labor Commissioner, respectively.
Meeting Saturday, August 22, the State Committee adopted motions regarding each candidate.
Mike Mazzei for Governor
The resolution recognized Mazzei’s record of Republican service, commitment to conservative principles, and successful completion of the Oklahoma Republican Party’s candidate certification process.
The resolution states that OKGOP Certification should not be treated as merely ceremonial, but as a meaningful indication that a candidate has demonstrated a commitment to the principles, standards, and expectations of the Oklahoma Republican Party.
The State Committee’s resolution highlighted Mazzei’s record in the Oklahoma State Senate, including his work on fiscal responsibility, responsible stewardship of taxpayer dollars, economic growth, taxation, budgeting, and financial policy, and his support as a Conservative candidate, running to defend the constitutional rights of Oklahomans.
The resolution formally declares:
“The Oklahoma Republican Party State Committee, duly assembled on this 22nd day of August, 2026, recognizing Mike Mazzei’s record of Republican service and his distinction as the ONLY OKGOP Certified candidate remaining in the race, hereby FORMALLY ENDORSES MIKE MAZZEI, REPUBLICAN, FOR GOVERNOR OF THE STATE OF OKLAHOMA in the Republican Runoff Election to be held August 25, 2026.”
The Republican runoff election will be held Tuesday, August 25, 2026.
James Taylor for Superintendent of Public Instruction
Taylor has spent nearly two decades teaching history and government in Oklahoma public schools and has also served as a longtime pastor and community leader. The resolution highlights Taylor’s commitment to putting students, teachers, and parents first through practical reforms focused on literacy, parental empowerment, academic excellence, and the efficient use of education resources.
Taylor’s supporters cited his real-world classroom experience and principled conservative leadership as qualities that uniquely prepare him to serve as Oklahoma’s next State Superintendent of Public Instruction.
With this action, the Oklahoma Republican Party State Committee is formally backing Dr. James Taylor for State Superintendent of Public Instruction and encouraging Republican voters to support a conservative educator who will put students, teachers, parents, and academic achievement at the forefront of Oklahoma education.
Kevin West for Labor Commissioner
West is an OKGOP Certified candidate, having successfully completed the Oklahoma Republican Party’s candidate certification process and demonstrated his commitment to the principles and standards of the Oklahoma Republican Party. West’s certification, followed by today’s endorsement by the State Committee, sends a clear message to Republican voters ahead of Tuesday’s runoff election. The Oklahoma Republican Party State Committee endorses OKGOP Certified candidate Kevin West for Oklahoma Labor Commissioner and encourages Republican voters to support him in the August 25 Republican Runoff Election.
The Republican runoff election will be held Tuesday, August 25, 2026.
