Mike Mazzei wants to bring financial skills to Oklahoma governor's office

Republican gubernatorial candidate Mike Mazzei, 61, is pushing to bring his financial expertise to Oklahoma’s governor’s office, focusing on overhauling the state’s tax system. A former state senator and CEO of Trinity Strategic Wealth in Tulsa, Mazzei served as Gov. Kevin Stitt’s budget secretary and chaired the Senate Finance Committee. He advocates eliminating the state’s income tax within six years, starting with a reduction from 4.5% to 3% in his first year, by removing tax credits and preferences that he claims cost the state $2 billion annually. Some incentives, like those for aerospace engineers and the Parental Choice Tax Credit Program, would remain intact. Mazzei also proposes abolishing property taxes for seniors and veterans, arguing that rising costs have disproportionately burdened fixed-income retirees. While state government does not rely on property taxes, local schools and law enforcement depend on them, requiring potential spending cuts elsewhere. He criticizes the current property tax freeze as insufficient and calls for broader reform. On marijuana policy, Mazzei acknowledges Oklahoma’s status as the nation’s leading medical marijuana producer but warns of human trafficking and drug-related crimes linked to unregulated growers. He supports raising licensing fees for legitimate businesses through executive action but opposes ending medical marijuana access. His plan targets illegal operations while preserving the industry’s legal framework. Mazzei holds a bachelor’s degree from George Mason University and a master’s in personal financial planning. He previously ran for state treasurer in 2021 but withdrew due to a conflict with his employer. His campaign emphasizes fiscal responsibility, tax relief, and regulatory oversight as key priorities for Oklahoma’s leadership.