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Articles by Mike Mazzei
Trump-Backed Mazzei Challenges Munson in Oklahoma Race
Mike Mazzei, carrying Trump's endorsement, is making his case against Cyndi Munson in an Oklahoma contest that reflects the ongoing battle for the soul of the Republican Party. Trump's backing signals confidence in Mazzei's America First credentials and commitment to conservative principles. This race matters because it shows whether grassroots conservatives can overcome establishment resistance and nominate candidates who will actually fight for limited government and national sovereignty.
Oklahoma’s Taxing Devil Details
Editor’s Note: It is a refreshing change when a candidate for office actually covers details of governance rather than just glittering generalities. Today, Mike Mazzei released his latest “Mazzei Minute: April 16, 2026” a column we have carried on Tulsa Today long before he declared for Oklahoma’s top government job. We invite other candidates to provide byline columns for publication, but this piece is especially timely.
Another Great Company Is Leaving
Opinion: Devon Energy, a brand synonymous with Oklahoma, just announced it will move its headquarters to Houston, Texas. Why Texas? Because our Legislature has failed to make Oklahoma a No-Income tax state. Over the decades, we have lost thousands of high-paying jobs to states with no income tax. Cities Service, Kerr-McGee, Conoco-Phillips, Haliburton and CITGO all fled to Texas so the CEO’s and top brass could keep more of their money. It’s simple math.
Mike Mazzei: If AG wins poultry suit, every Oklahoman will pay
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Mazzei Minute: OK Newspapers
I guess it’s time to dump The Oklahoman Newspaper. I have been reading it and the local Tulsa paper for three decades to stay abreast of news across the state. The Oklahoman, under the ownership of the Gaylord family, used to be a reliable conservative-leaning newspaper. Now part of the USA Today network, The Oklahoman has gone the way of radical left wokeism.
Say No to Open Primaries
The radical leftists want to take over Oklahoma and turn us into the state of California. And shockingly, some blind Republicans want to help the woke army of darkness and assist the takeover. If approved by a vote of the people, State Question 836 will make Oklahoma an open primary state so that every candidate, regardless of party, gets placed on the ballot for the primary election. The top two primary vote-getters, regardless of party affiliation, will proceed to the general election.
Tulsa Beacon
The radical leftists want to take over Oklahoma and turn us into the state of California. And shockingly, some blind Republicans want to help the woke army of darkness and assist the takeover. If approved by a vote of the people, SQ 836 will make Oklahoma a primary state so that every candidate, regardless of party, gets placed on the ballot for the primary election. The top two primary vote-getters, regardless of party affiliation, will proceed to the general election.
Historic Shifting of the Art of War
Right before our eyes over the last several weeks, we’ve seen a strategic and historic shift in the art of war. The Ukrainian military snuck multiple armed drones into Russia and wiped out 30% of Russia’s bomber fleet. Iran’s air defenses were wiped out after the Israelis snuck hundreds of drones equipped with bombs into enemy territory. At the same time, we recently learned that FBI officials believe the Chinese Communist Party owns land in all 77 Oklahoma counties.
Tulsa Beacon
When an organization only achieves a 20% success rate, drastic change has to happen. Trinity Strategic Wealth would be out of business if only 20% of our clients were satisfied with their financial progress. Yet, for our shared Oklahoma enterprise of 500+ schools districts, where only 20% of 8th graders can read proficiently, there is no accountability nor consequences for abject failure.
Tulsa Beacon
The tariff battles are on. Storm clouds seem to hover over the global economy. There is great wailing and gnashing of teeth. The left-leaning Big Media are stoking the flames of fear by saying a recession is imminent, and short-term investors are selling shares in the stock market. As usual, the Big Media has it all wrong. But even the Wall Street Journal has fed the fear flames with all sorts of criticism for President Trump.
OK Education Fails at 20%
When an organization only achieves a 20% success rate, drastic change has to happen. Trinity Strategic Wealth would be out of business if only 20% of our clients were satisfied with their financial progress. Yet, for our shared Oklahoma enterprise of 500+ schools districts, where only 20% of 8th graders can read proficiently, there is no accountability nor consequences for abject failure.
Applauding Gov. Stitt’s Call for DOGE
Editorial: I applaud Governor Stitt’s call to start an Oklahoma Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) in Oklahoma. It’s time to root out unnecessary and sloppy spending programs that have infected our state budget like a nasty virus. We must take the opportunity to eliminate support for wasteful green energy projects and reduce government appropriations to non-core services. The groundwork for DOGE has already been laid, and we have the tools we need to finish the job.
Opinion: Ignore the latest Oklahoma task force recommendation regarding immigration
The Oklahoma State Work Permits and Visas Task Force just missed the mark in a big way. Task forces are a dime a dozen, and I have chaired a few myself. Occasionally they produce something useful, but when a task force report begins with a recommendation to create another government entity, be suspicious.
Mazzei: Economics & Your Pocketbook
Analysis: Who is best for the economy and your pocketbook? The Trump Agenda is well-defined, and modeled to benefit everyday Americans by lowering taxes, reducing regulations, and increasing American energy dominance. The Harris plan is still a mystery, but the Biden White House has declared that she was an integral part of his economic policy. Since Harris is not giving interviews or holding press conferences yet, one can only conclude that Biden’s announced economic strategy would be hers.
Opinion: Steps for Oklahoma lawmakers to take to become a no-income tax state
The race is on, and Arkansas looks to take the lead. For the past decade, Oklahoma has defeated our neighbor to the east in economic growth and output, but Arkansas Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders just signed off on more tax relief that could boost the Razorbacks past Oklahoma. The income tax rate for Arkansas was lowered from 4.4% to 3.9%, which is now the lowest income tax rate in the region.
The Cost of Illegal Invasion
How much money does illegal immigration cost the taxpayers of Oklahoma and the people of the United States? Billions upon billions of dollars. I have never figured out a way to accurately come up with an estimate, but it doesn’t take a rocket scientist to figure the sums are astronomical. Now, I don’t particularly blame the millions of people pouring into America to seek out a better life for themselves and their families.
Opinion: Oklahoma budget projections are not adding up, could lead to repeated mistakes
I like numbers. Assuming the numbers aren’t fraudulent, they always tell a story that reflects reality — and these days, when the radical left is advancing strange narratives, it’s nice to know what reality is and what isn’t. I have been looking at the annual Proposed FY 2025 Revenue Certification by the Oklahoma State Board of Equalization, and I’m starting to wonder if their numbers reflect reality.
OK Tax Cuts on the Table
Analysis: Would you like to pay less taxes? I’d like to pay less taxes. Who wouldn’t? For the 2024 Oklahoma Legislative Session, everyone is talking about a tax cut, and several proposals are flying through the halls of the Capitol. Gov. Kevin Stitt has asked the Legislature to pass a tax cut of 0.25 to lower the state income tax from 4.75% to 4.5%. The reduction in tax collections would be approximately $250 million.
US Debt Crushing Economy
The debt of the United States of America now exceeds $34 trillion, and– for the first time in American history– the government has to borrow 100% of the money needed to fund regular operational expenses of $1.5 trillion. What a sad and disturbing mess! New Speaker of the House Mike Johnson is setting up a bi-partisan debt commission to work on ideas to get our fiscal house in order.
Anguish Over Education and TPS
There’s a host of anguish by both conservatives and liberals over education lately—and specifically, Tulsa Public Schools (TPS). Even if heated debate surrounds the discussion, I love that the state’s school performance is receiving attention. The most important investment that can be made for our kids and grandkids is the investment in a great education.
The Uncertainty of College Investment
This coming school year marks our final year to pay college expenses for our five kids. My greatest achievement as a Tulsa based financial planner is getting our kids through college without school loans! Yet for multitudes of families, college has become more and more out of reach because of skyrocketing costs.
Opinion: Conservatives put forth bold proposal to balance federal budget in seven years
There is a biblical admonition that the borrower is a slave to the lender, and there is a reason generations have been warned privately and publicly about excessive debt. The United States of America finds itself at a critical juncture in its history, grappling with historic inflation and other consequences of deficit spending with debt at 98% of our total economy. Recent history proves that unchecked deficit spending and excessive debt lead to severe consequences.
OK taxpayer’s return on investment
Analysis: What do you think taxpayers deserve for an investment in a public company – 5%, 10%, 15%? In the world of Wall Street, the return on investment for a large capital expenditure is generally a minimum of 8%. Why would you put shareholder money at risk for anything less?
Special interest gators hunting your money
On social media and in public comments at the Corporation Commission, Oklahoma utility customers are expressing their anger about higher electric and natural gas bills. “I thought when I got older, I would be fine,” said a 70-year-old woman in Oklahoma City. “However, because of the rate hikes, I barely ever turn on my heater. I wear my coat in my house all the time now, because it’s too expensive to turn on my heater.”
Special interest gators hunting your money
“Alligators” lurk in and around the swamp of the Oklahoma State Capitol. It’s that time of year when the special interest predators descend on state government to gobble up as much money and special benefits as possible without regard to performance, accountability, or financial sense. I recently got close to several alligators in the Everglades National Park. In fact, check out the photo to see the harrowing moment an alligator stalked me from behind.
ESG destroys assets and investments
After his landslide re-election victory, Governor Ron DeSantis declared that “Florida is where ‘woke’ goes to die!” Sure enough, the Chief Financial Officer of Florida, Jimmy Patronis, recently announced the withdrawal of $2 billion of the state’s treasury funds from Blackrock, the world’s largest asset manager. Larry Fink, the CEO of Blackrock, has led the way towards environmental, social, and governance (ESG) factors for a new approach to investment management.
Should OK become a no income-tax state?
How would you like to avoid paying taxes on your hard work and labor to the state of Oklahoma? Citizens in Texas, Florida, and even Tennessee don’t have a state personal income tax. Maybe that’s why so many businesses are moving there! The Hoover Institute recently released a report documenting that 352 companies with high-paying jobs left the state of California from 2018 to 2021. 43%, or 153 of those companies, left just last year. Their top destination was Texas which got 132 of the businesses.
Stitt offers conservative, business leadership for next four years
When Oklahoma voters chose Kevin Stitt to be governor in 2018, they hoped a successful businessman could fix the finances of the state. Gov. Stitt did just that, and he can make even greater financial progress for Oklahoma with a second term as governor. When Stitt entered office, he dove right into the details of the state's revenues and expenditures.
Biden’s “Raising Taxes, Increasing Inflation Act”
Analysis: I call the Biden and Schumer spending bill that was signed into law last week, “The Raising Taxes and Increasing Inflation Act.” The leftist takeover of the Democrat party by socialist Marxists is now complete. John F. Kennedy and Bill Clinton wouldn’t have been caught dead raising taxes during the middle of an economic slowdown. Now, new IRS agents will descend on small business owners like locusts. $100 billion of new taxes will hit fossil fuel companies.
Special interests ride taxpayers Original
A billion here and a billion there of wasted money! Over the last many years, certain special interest groups have managed to ride the coattails of Oklahoma taxpayers to great profits. As a free market capitalist, I am always in favor of entrepreneurs making tremendous profits when they provide great products and services to customers. However, I cringe when hardworking Oklahomans pay up big time for special interest groups to fuel the gravy train of subsidized revenues.
What Joe don’t know he can’t fix
There is no way Joe Biden can fix inflation. Our President continues to live in a fantasy land of crazy economic thinking and incoherent ideas for dealing with the worst inflation since the 1970s. The Wall Street Journal recently published Biden’s opinion article, “My Plan for Fighting Inflation,” which any sound economist would destroy in red ink and grade with a big fat F.
Life difficult for babies and moms
Big government is making life difficult for babies and moms – baby formula supplies are down a whopping 40%. Mothers are having to hunt at different stores to feed their kids. This should never happen in the United States of America! In February of this year, a recall of one of the top baby formula producers shut down a critical Michigan plant while the FDA investigated.
OK Legislature must budget by May 27
The clock is ticking! State legislative leaders must craft a budget by Friday, May 27. On its face, the budget for the next fiscal year would seem simple, because there is so much extra cash to work with. Revenue estimates indicate more than $10 billion is available for spending, but nobody really knows what our current stable revenue base is.
The Musk move on Twitter
Opinion: A tech titan rides to the rescue! Elon Musk, the founder of Tesla and Space X, has invigorated capitalism with common sense, liberty, and inspiration. Recently, he purchased 73.5 million shares of Twitter and now owns 9% of the company. In the past, he has rightly questioned Twitter’s descent into political correctness. An outspoken critic, Musk has called out Twitter’s “woke” elite censorship of conservative ideas and conservative speakers.
On wealth and dictators
Money makes the world go around, and often drives the actions of greedy totalitarian dictators. When they feel rich, tyrants like Vladimir Putin will invade their neighbor and try to reshape the world order. Oil at $100 per barrel makes Putin feel rich and reckless. The only way to confront dictators is to make them poor or make them afraid of losing their power base. The United States can’t do much about the latter, but we can take action to address the former.
Oklahoma is flushed with cash
Several factors have led to this bountiful scenario. First, Governor Stitt quickly reopened the State of Oklahoma for business in the spring of 2020, while other states in the country remained locked down. Second, the federal government— through various COVID relief programs— has poured over $30 billion into the State of Oklahoma. And third, legislative leaders have practiced fiscal restraint to keep a lid on the growth of recurring expenses.
The socialist power grab of state elections
I’m tired of hearing liberal-socialist Democrats, with the help of Big Media, lie about Conservative Republicans’ common-sense standards to protect the integrity of our elections. On Martin Luther King Day, President Joe Biden accused Georgia Republicans of creating Jim Crowe 2.0 “election subversion.” Meanwhile Democrats are trying to launch a federal takeover of election laws in all 50 states.
Biden is making problems worse
President Biden has a special knack for studying a problem and then choosing the wrong-headed option that makes the problem worse. For example, look at the Afghanistan debacle and border crisis. Well, he’s at it again with his climate agenda and his budget busting bill which, if enacted, will make the automotive supply chain problem worse than it already is. Have you swung by a car dealership lately and been surprised by the lack of cars on the lot?
Out of other people’s money, they come for you
Opnion: Even the California liberal elite are jumping ship from the socialist brigade in D.C. that now wants to confiscate wealth, not just tax it. Elon Musk recently tweeted about the Marxist-like legislators saying, “Eventually, they run out of other people’s money, and then they come for you.” The latest threat to Capitalism is the proposal by liberal Oregon Senator Ron Wyden to tax unrealized investment gains of billionaires in stock or real estate.
Column: Oklahoma could lead by example by being frugal enough to send relief money back
Column: Oklahoma could lead by example by being frugal enough to send relief money back So, U.S. cities and states did not really need all that extra money after all this year. The hue and cry of mayors and governors, mostly from high-tax states by the way, for more urgently needed recovery funds bedeviled easily fooled politicians.
Mike Mazzei: Better teacher pay? Yes! Massive tax increases? No!
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Former state senator: Suggestions for finding revenue amid Oklahoma budget crisis
We learned in February that Oklahoma's revenue deficit will be $878 million. In addition, revenue for the current fiscal year has not met estimates, thereby creating $34 million worth of across-the-board cuts for all state agencies. To avoid raising taxes, the governor and Legislature must pursue major financial management transformation. First, a basic premise of financial and business planning must be adopted — expenses must match expected recurring revenues.
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