President Trump is scheduled to visit Durant on Oct. 1.
OKLAHOMA CITY, Okla. (KOKH) — President Donald Trump’s planned rally in Durant is drawing contrasting reactions from Oklahoma Republicans and Democrats as the race for governor enters its final stretch.
The Oct. 1 event at the Choctaw Event Center will support Republican candidate Mike Mazzei. Democrats say the stop reflects a competitive race, while Republicans say it will energize supporters.
“This is exciting for Oklahomans. We love Trump. He loves us,” said state Sen. Shane Jett, a Republican from Shawnee. “All 77 counties went for him.”
Jett called Durant a logical stop for the rally because of its conservative voting base.
Oklahoma Democratic Party Chair Erin Brewer said the event is aimed at voters who already support the Republican candidate.
“They’re going to a place where they probably already have voters, but they’re not going to earn any new ones,” Brewer said.
While Brewer said Trump’s decision to rally for Mazzei indicates the Republican candidate needs help ahead of the general election against Democratic candidate Cyndi Munson.
“It tells me that Mike Mazzei’s in trouble,” Brewer said.
The event has also prompted criticism online from some people opposed to Trump appearing at the Choctaw Event Center.
The Choctaw Nation welcomed Trump in a social media statement Friday, saying it looks forward to sharing more about its work in southeast Oklahoma.
An OETA debate between Mazzei and Munson had been scheduled live for the same day as the rally. It will now be recorded earlier and air later.
Doors for Trump’s rally open at 2 p.m. Oct. 1, with the event scheduled to begin at 6 p.m.
