President Donald Trump officially endorsed Mike Mazzei, a former Oklahoma state senator and Republican gubernatorial candidate, to be the state’s next governor.

Trump announced the endorsement on Friday afternoon on Truth Social, calling Mazzei a “MAGA Warrior” and praising his background as a successful businessman, former Chairman of the State Senate Finance Committee, and Oklahoma’s Secretary of Budget. The president highlighted Mazzei’s commitment to America First policies, including cutting taxes and regulations, promoting American energy, securing the border, and protecting the Second Amendment.

Mazzei, a financial planner from Tulsa, expressed gratitude for the endorsement and said it reflects alignment on key issues such as eliminating the state income tax, abolishing property taxes for seniors and veterans, launching a statewide literacy program, and addressing foreign ownership of Oklahoma land, particularly by the Chinese Communist Party.

“I think the White House got more and more familiar with our campaign, which has a concrete plan with real solutions,” Mazzei said after speaking with Trump. He added that Trump’s strong approval rating among Oklahoma Republicans makes the endorsement especially powerful, noting that the president’s support in GOP primaries usually leads to victory.

The Republican primary for Oklahoma governor is scheduled for June 16. With nine candidates in the race, a runoff in late August is widely expected. Mazzei is competing against Attorney General Gentner Drummond, former Secretary of Public Safety Chip Keating, and former House Speaker Charles McCall, among others.

Trump’s endorsement comes just 18 days before the primary and is expected to significantly shift momentum toward Mazzei in the deep-red state.