McCall calls on other GOP candidates, voters to reject California-style open primary and 'decline to sign'

GOP gubernatorial candidates Charles McCall (below) and Mike Mazzei have been outspoken against State Question 836 for some time, and I believe Jake Merrick has publicly opposed it as well. A little over a week ago, after weeks of pressure from activists, Gentner Drummond finally issued a tepid statement against the radical leftist proposal, which would institute the same type of open primary system used in California that essentially keeps Republicans off the ballot there.

McCall Slams Radical SQ 836, Challenges GOP Candidates: Prove You’re Republican, Sign the Pledge

OKLAHOMA CITY, OK (October 29, 2025) – Charles McCall, Conservative Republican candidate for Governor, is leading the fight against State Question 836, calling on Oklahomans to decline to sign and challenging every Republican candidate in the state to prove they stand with the people of Oklahoma by signing a pledge to oppose it.

SQ 836 would eliminate Oklahoma’s closed primaries and impose a California-style “top-two” system, giving liberal activists and out-of-state donors more power while silencing Republican voters.

“This is a California-style power grab, plain and simple,” said McCall. “It’s designed to flood our elections with big money and shut out conservative voices. If you’re running as a Republican, prove it. Sign the pledge and stand with the people of Oklahoma.”

McCall noted that under such a system, past elections could have left conservatives without a Republican choice on the general election ballot.

“They know they can’t win on values, so they’re trying to rig the process,” McCall said. “State Question 836 isn’t about fairness, it’s about control. Republican candidates who refuse to sign the pledge are siding with the left against their own voters.”

As Speaker of the House, McCall led the charge for voter ID laws and election security reforms, ensuring Oklahoma elections remain in the hands of Oklahomans. Now, as a candidate for Governor, he is making it clear that protecting the voice of Republican voters is non-negotiable.

“This campaign is about defending the people who built this state,” said McCall. “I’m urging every voter to decline to sign SQ 836 and I’m demanding that every Republican candidate in Oklahoma sign the pledge to prove they will fight for our conservative way of life.”

Decline to sign link [McCall campaign page]: