By Mike Mazzei

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.

This looming disaster must be contested on all fronts. We have a five-alarm fire on our hands, and all true red-dirt Trump faithful conservatives have to rally to defeat State Question 836 and the radical left sneak attack.

The members of the Republican Party have a right to allow only party members to select nominees because Republican-only primaries prevent sabotage. Democrats can’t get elected on their own merits because their radical leftist values do not align with the conservative Republican values that led to President Trump’s victories in all 77 counties three elections in a row.

So, Democrats have come up with a way to circumvent the will of the majority of Oklahomans – open primaries, because this system often enables radical left Democrat candidates in the back door.

Look what just happened with the Tulsa mayoral race. Less than 60,000 voters showed up for the off-cycle primary and selected the top two candidates (both Democrats) to send to the November 2024 general election.

The top two selected in the open primary for inclusion in the general were Democrats Monroe Nichols and Karen Keith. Then, over 137,000 voters showed up for the November general election and had to choose between the very liberal Democrat Monroe Nichols and the moderate Democrat Karen Keith. Nichols won – in the Tulsa area where Congressman Kevin Hern won his Republican election with 60% of the vote on the same ballot.

The Tulsa example is proof that proponents of open primaries are wrong when they say open primaries produce significantly higher turnout. But the real test of open primaries begs the question; “Do they lead to better government for the people?” Looking at the results of the open primary state of California, the answer is a resounding “NO!”

Mike Mazzei, is the Founder and CEO of Trinity Strategic Wealth. A Certified Financial Planner professional and Master Planner Advanced Studies. A committed public servant, Mike served in the Oklahoma State Senate from 2004 to 2016, representing Senate District 25, and was Chairman of the Senate Finance Committee for 10 years. He is an announced candidate for Oklahoma Governor for 2026.