Jake Merrick, Rep. Jim Shaw endorse Mazzei for Governor

As the runoff election draws closer, Mike Mazzei continues to win endorsements from grassroots conservative activists and legislators across the state. Two of the latest are conservative champion State Rep. Jim Shaw (R-Chandler) and Jake Merrick, who placed fourth in the June primary for governor. are choosing Mazzei over a floundering Gentner Drummond who is increasingly appealing to moderates and liberals with his campaign rhetoric.

Merrick made his support known in this video released on the 12th:

Shaw's endorsement landed yesterday:

I’m honored to endorse @MazzeiMike for Governor. The contrast between Mazzei and Drummond couldn’t be more clear. Mazzei is the conservative candidate who is committed to the fight to save Oklahoma from the establishment and special interests that are ruining our state.

Gentner… https://t.co/bqr9ZEn9d4

— Jim Shaw (@ShawForOK) August 14, 2026

I’m honored to endorse Mike Mazzei for Governor. The contrast between Mazzei and Drummond couldn’t be more clear. Mazzei is the conservative candidate who is committed to the fight to save Oklahoma from the establishment and special interests that are ruining our state.

Gentner Drummond recently referred to grassroots conservatives as “facists” and compared them to the atheist far left socialists in the Democrat party.

The election of Drummond wouldn’t simply maintain the status-quo, it would be a disaster for the conservative movement in Oklahoma. ❌

🗳️Join me in voting for Mike Mazzei for Governor on Aug 25th! ✅

Shaw had extended comments in this press release:

REP. JIM SHAW ENDORSES MIKE MAZZEI FOR GOVERNOR

“Oklahoma Needs a Committed Conservative, Not a Slick Talking Trial Attorney”

Chandler, OK (August 15th) — State Representative Jim Shaw, R-Chandler, endorses Mike Mazzei for Governor, saying Mazzei is the conservative ally Oklahoma needs to advance freedom, protect Oklahoma families, secure Oklahoma land, and hold government accountable.

“Mike Mazzei has shown that he will fight for Oklahoma workers, taxpayers, landowners and families,” Shaw said. “Gentner Drummond wants Republican voters to believe he is a conservative, but voters should judge his record, not his campaign rhetoric. Oklahoma needs a committed conservative, not a slick talking trial attorney.”

Shaw, author of the seven-point Save Oklahoma Plan which Mazzei supports, pointed to several clear contrasts in the race.

On foreign ownership of Oklahoma land, Mazzei supports criminalizing hostile foreign ownership of Oklahoma land. Drummond has defended a narrower interpretation of existing law. Drummond is also responsible for the loophole introduced on the affidavit form allowing foreign nationals to continue purchasing new property in Oklahoma, perpetuating illicit activity endangering our communities.

On E-Verify, Mazzei supports requiring employers to verify that new workers are legally authorized to work. “Mike Mazzei stands with Oklahoma workers and the rule of law,” Shaw said. “Gentner Drummond is on record saying we don't have the resources to pursue all illegals and has previously mentioned he has no concern with illegal aliens who are obeying the law. What an oxymoron.”

On government spending and Green New Deal-style subsidies, Mazzei has a record of fighting wasteful government programs and helped stop a $1.5 billion transferable tax-credit program for wind energy. Drummond offers conservative rhetoric; Mazzei has delivered conservative results.

“The Save Oklahoma Plan is about protecting Oklahoma land, jobs, taxpayers and individual freedom while making government smaller and more accountable. It’s an agenda that’s popular with the grassroots of this party and should be easy for any conservative candidate to support,” Shaw said. “Mike Mazzei is willing to fight for that agenda. Gentner Drummond is not.”

“I’m proud to endorse Mike Mazzei for Governor,” Shaw concluded.“Oklahoma conservatives must choose a candidate who has committed to change the way business is done in Oklahoma City. Mike Mazzei is that candidate.”