ATOKA, Okla. – May 28, 2026 (The Oklahoma Post)
The Charles McCall for Governor campaign released a statewide television ad Wednesday titled “Mazzei Mess,” accusing former state Sen. Mike Mazzei of backing “massive tax increases” and pointing to Senate Bill 1073, a 2016 measure Mazzei authored as Senate Finance Committee chairman. The bill would have delayed the reduction of the top income tax rate from 5.25 percent to 5 percent and eliminated the itemized deduction for state and local taxes. Because the cut to 5 percent had already taken effect on Jan. 1, 2016, the bill would have moved the rate back up from what Oklahomans were then paying, which the campaign calls a tax increase.
Mazzei framed it as delaying a cut, not raising taxes. In a February 2016 statement he said he “would much rather delay a tax cut than vote to increase taxes,” citing a $1.3 billion budget shortfall and the threat of deep cuts to education. The ad also says Mazzei supported raising the state sales tax and eliminating the child tax credit, though the 2016 one-cent sales tax measure was a citizen ballot initiative rather than a Mazzei bill, and the credit lawmakers actually trimmed that year was the refundable portion of the state earned income credit. The campaign’s full release is below.
– Official Campaign Release –
McCall Campaign Launches New TV Ad Exposing Mike Mazzei’s Record of Supporting Massive Tax Increases
ATOKA, OKLAHOMA (May 28, 2026) – The Charles McCall for Governor campaign today released a new statewide television advertisement exposing Mike Mazzei’s record of supporting massive tax increases on Oklahoma families and small businesses.
The ad comes as Mazzei continues attempting to portray himself as a fiscal conservative despite authoring one of the largest income tax increases in Oklahoma history, a tax hike that would have cost Oklahomans more than $500 million.
“Mike Mazzei’s record on taxes is not conservative, and Oklahoma voters deserve the truth,” said Charles McCall. “While hardworking Oklahomans were tightening their belts, Mike Mazzei was trying to take more money out of their pockets through higher income taxes, higher sales taxes, and by eliminating tax relief for families with children. That’s not conservative leadership.”
According to official Oklahoma Tax Commission estimates, Mazzei’s Senate Bill 1073 would have increased taxes on Oklahomans by more than $539 million over two years, including nearly $291 million in 2017 alone. The legislation would have raised the state’s income tax rate from 5% back to 5.25% after taxpayers had just received relief earlier that year.
Mazzei also supported efforts to raise the state sales tax and eliminate the child tax credit, further increasing the burden on Oklahoma families already dealing with rising costs.
As Speaker of the Oklahoma House, McCall has consistently fought to protect taxpayers, strengthen Oklahoma’s economy, and advance conservative fiscal policies that keep more money in the hands of hardworking families.
“This race isn’t about rhetoric or plans, it’s about who will deliver real conservative results,” McCall said. “Oklahomans know where I stand. I passed the largest tax cut in state history, and as governor, I’ll continue creating an environment where families and businesses can thrive. I’ll always fight to protect our freedoms and liberties while advancing conservative leadership rooted in faith, freedom, and common sense. Mike Mazzei tried to raise taxes before, and Oklahomans have every reason to believe he would do it again.”
Watch the ad: Mazzei Mess
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Authorized & Paid for by McCall for Oklahoma 2026
— End of Release —
Writing By: Robbie Robertson | Editing by Robbie Robertson
SOURCES
Oklahoma Senate, statement of Sen. Mike Mazzei on Finance Committee passage of SB 1073, February 2016.
https://oksenate.gov/press-releases/sen-mazzei-issues-statement-finance-committee-passage-sb-1073
Oklahoma Policy Institute, “2016 Tax Cut Calculator” and analysis of the 5.25 to 5 percent rate cut. https://okpolicy.org/resources/2016-tax-cut-calculator/
Tax Policy Center, “A Tale of Two Tax Triggers,” on the 2014 trigger and the January 2016 rate cut. https://taxpolicycenter.org/taxvox/tale-two-tax-triggers
Oklahoma Watch, “Budget Crisis Clips Credit for Working Poor,” on the 2016 revenue package, the double-deduction repeal and the earned income credit change. https://oklahomawatch.org/2016/05/20/budget-crisis-clips-credit-for-working-poor/
NewsOn6, Charles McCall interview on his tax record and “largest tax cut in state history” claim, May 2026. https://www.newson6.com/oklahoma-politics/oklahoma-governor-candidate-charles-mccall-taxes-education-reform
KSWO, Mazzei roundtable on proposed income tax cut to 3 percent, May 2026. https://www.kswo.com/2026/05/20/oklahoma-gubernatorial-candidate-discusses-tax-plan-education-with-lawton-chamber/
The Oklahoman via AOL, Stitt signs grocery tax elimination, the “largest single tax cut in state history.” https://www.aol.com/oklahoma-gov-kevin-stitt-signs-220731819.html
Charles McCall for Governor campaign, “Mazzei Mess” ad and May 28, 2026 press release (provided to The Oklahoma Post).
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