Gov.-elect Mike Mazzei said he will eliminate Oklahoma's state income tax, abolish property taxes for seniors and veterans, and cut the cost of home and car insurance.

Mazzei laid out those priorities Wednesday, Nov. 4, in his first public appearance since defeating Democrat Cyndi Munson on election night, KFOR reported.

"Eliminate the Oklahoma income tax, abolish property taxes for seniors and veterans, cut the cost of home and car insurance to make life more affordable," Mazzei said at his first public appearance since the election, according to KFOR. He added goals of improving "reading and writing skills for our students" and eliminating "waste, fraud, and abuse of the people's money."

The Republican won roughly 52% of the vote to Munson's roughly 46%, according to the Oklahoma State Election Board, as Oklahoma Voice reported. Three independent candidates also ran. As we reported Nov. 3, Mazzei won the race on election night.

Mazzei, a financial planner from Tulsa who served as budget secretary under Gov. Kevin Stitt, announced that his brother Dan Mazzei will chair his transition team. Dan Mazzei is a structural engineer who has worked on political campaigns, Oklahoma Voice reported. He will lead efforts to assemble the incoming administration ahead of a Jan. 11, 2027, swearing-in ceremony.

"I'm grateful for the trust the voters have placed in me," Mazzei said, according to KFOR. He said he plans to announce more transition team members in the coming days and weeks.

Working with legislative leaders

Mazzei said he will work with House Speaker Kyle Hilbert, R-Bristow, and Senate Pro Tem Lonnie Paxton, R-Tuttle, on priorities for "a very effective first 100 days," according to Oklahoma Voice.

He also expects to create an office of State Finance and Fiscal Responsibility to address funding issues at state agencies, including food stamps and Medicaid, Oklahoma Voice reported. Separately, Mazzei plans to require state agencies every 90 days to provide financial reports comparing budgeted expenses to actual expenses.

Mazzei said he looks forward to working with Stitt, who is term-limited, on a smooth transition. He would not say whether he planned to retain any members of Stitt's administration, Oklahoma Voice reported.

Election context

Republicans won every statewide race in Oklahoma on Nov. 3, along with all five of the state's congressional districts, according to KFOR. But Democrats flipped six state House seats and kept the governor's race about six percentage points, compared to double-digit margins in recent governor's races.

KFOR reported that it asked Mazzei whether that leftward trend was a statement on him. He said comparing one election cycle to another is "like comparing apples and oranges" because of the many variables involved.

Mazzei said he plans to serve all Oklahomans regardless of party. "Fixing our schools isn't a Republican or Democrat issue," he said, according to KFOR. "It's about giving every child in Oklahoma the opportunity to succeed."