Oklahoma Governor-Elect Mazzei Names Brother to Lead Transition Team
Mazzei kept other personnel choices secret while outlining early talks with legislative leaders and a weekend beach vacation.
By Grace Anderson ·
Oklahoma Governor-Elect Mazzei announced on Thursday that his brother, Dan Mazzei, will serve as chairman of the transition team. The appointment marks the only confirmed personnel decision Mazzei has made so far regarding his incoming administration.
Mazzei described his campaign as lean and scrappy, a characterization that stands in contrast to the financial records. The race was the most expensive and most self-funded campaign in this Oklahoma election, totaling more than $16 million. Despite the high cost, Mazzei said the time has come to build a government focused on efficiency and subject matter experts.
Reporters asked who else would join the transition team, but Mazzei did not name any other individuals. He stated that he was not going to make announcements about personnel issues other than his brother. This silence leaves the structure of the new administration largely undefined for now.
Mazzei addressed the national political results, expressing disappointment over Republican losses in other states. He commended Oklahomans for resisting what he called a blue wave. He attributed the state's success to a focus on affordability and wage growth that outpaces inflation.
Conversations with legislative leaders have already begun. Mazzei spoke with Senate President Pro Tempore Lonnie Paxton and House Speaker Kyle Hilbert about priorities for his first 100 days. He described these early discussions as a blessing and a step toward making life better for residents.
The relationship with the legislature may face friction. Mazzei attended a luncheon with OCPAC, a conservative think tank, just before his press conference. The event was hosted by Sen. Shane Jett, the outgoing leader of the Oklahoma Freedom Caucus. The caucus has a history of voting against legislative leadership, particularly in the Senate.
A moment of tension occurred at the OCPAC event when Mazzei asked reporters to leave the room for an off-the-record chat with friends and donors. The group's president, Bob Linn, and Jett apologized for the incident. Mazzei said he is excited to work on his promised issues, but he will first take a beach-house vacation with his wife over the weekend.
