Meadows publishes his 'Charlie's Picks' for 2026 primary

Historically one of the highly anticipated "picks" of each election cycle by grassroots conservatives, former Oklahoma Conservative Political Action Committee chairman (and recent Logan County Commissioner) Charlie Meadows has posted his thoughts on the 2026 primary election. Meadows, who long opined on Oklahoma politics when he was chairman of OCPAC in his famous email newsletters, now has a new podcast, The ABCs of Politics and Culture. Without further ado, here are Charlie's Picks:

CHARLIE’S PICKS 2026 PRIMARY ELECTION

Based on my research as well as information from other trusted sources I have come up with the candidates that I believe should win. Folks reading this may have information about a particular candidate of which I am unaware and therefore have a different opinion which is understandable. Please feel free to share this with others. To contact me my email is charliemeadows7@gmail.com. If you aren't sure which State Senate or House district you live in or Congressional district, that information is on the bottom of your voter ID card sent to you from your county election board.

Governor:  MIKE MAZZEI  This decision took me a long time as I really like Keating, Merrick and McCall. I would only vote for Drummond if he had a Democrat opponent. Merrick is the most conservative but polling around 7 percent he has no chance to win. We have done an hour long interview on our podcast (the ABCs of Politics and Culture found on FaceBook, YouTube, X and Rumble) with each of them and I believe Mazzei has the best ideas and is more thorough in explaining how he intends to accomplish his ideas. Listen to them and see if I am correct in my selection of Mazzei.

Lt. Governor:  T.W. SHANNON  T.W. was the most conservative and best Speaker of the House Oklahoma has ever had. Once President Trump endorsed him he will become our next Lt. Governor.

Attorney General:  JON ECHOLS  I have spent a good deal of time with Echos especially as he has communicated with many of Oklahoma’s Sheriffs. He thoroughly understands many of their problems and is committed to their support. As a state representative he authored many pieces of legislation to help them regarding illegal grow operations. Jon is a serious Christians and finished first in his law class.

State Treasurer:  TODD RUSS  Todd has done an excellent job as Treasurer over the past 4 years We have seen Oklahoma’s credit rating increase 3 times and the return on state revenues have increased by tens of millions of dollars, partly based on his investment expertise. He refuses to invest with organizations such as Blackrock because of their DEI and WOKE agendas, nor will he invest with institutions that have tried to harm Oklahoma’s oil and gas industry in favor of unreliable green energy. 

State Superintendent of Schools:  DR. JAMES TAYLOR  I have known J.T. for many years and he certainly understands the problems with our government schools and how to fix those problems. One of Ryan Walters problems was a lack of administration skills. I have urged J.T. to hire a top notch administrator which will free him to work with administrators and teachers to inspire students to learn. His ideas could be revolutionary for our government schools. The worst person for the job is Senator Adam Pugh. Pugh is little more than a whore for the teacher unions. Pugh knows little about what is necessary for educational excellence. He seems to think that throwing ever more money at education will fix things. That hasn't worked for the past 50 years and it won’t work going forward.  

Commissioner of Labor:  KEVIN WEST  Rep West is one of the top 10 State Reps and I fully expect him to use the same conservative principles as our Labor Commissioner. Part of the job involves safety issues such as inspecting amusement rides, elevators and boilers. One of the main duties is protecting workers from abusive bosses as well as working with employers for workforce development and apprenticeships.

Insurance Commissioner:  MARTY QUINN  Marty has been in the insurance industry for many years and while in the legislature he served as the Chairman of the Senate oversight committee. Marty will work to balance the needs of the industry to remain solvent and the needs of the consumers who pay premiums with the expectation of having their losses properly paid. The 2 main things needed is more tort reform which should then increase the numbers of companies in Oklahoma and thus increase competition which should bring costs down.

Corporation Commissioner:  BRAD BOLES  Rep Boles is well suited for this position, as chairman of the House Energy Committee last year he authored the game changing “Behind the Meter” legislation. This year he authored legislation protecting the average citizen from shouldering the cost for high usage data centers. He has also held interim studies on modular nuclear power. That is a viable future option.

United States Senator:  KEVIN HERN  Of Oklahoma’s 7 members of Congress, Hern is the 2nd most conservative while Mullins was our most liberal. Therefore, we should expect Hern to be an improvement over Mullins. With President Trumps endorsement, Hern will be our next Senator.

U.S. Representative Dist. 1:  JACKSON LAHMEYER  I spent time with Jackson on 2 occasions, four years ago when he decided to run for the U.S. Senate. I believe he was motivated to serve the people of Oklahoma in such a way as to respect the Constitution and Christian Heritage of America. I have told Representative Brecheen he may well be a candidate for the Freedom Caucus which would be great. 

U.S. Representative Dist. 2:  JOSH BRECHEEN  Jim Bridenstine was our first member of the Freedom Caucus and Josh is our second. He is the most conservative member of our Congressional delegation and we sure don’t want him replaced, it is so difficult to get someone like him elected.

U.S. Representative Dist. 3:  WADE BURLESON  Trump has endorsed the moderate lifer Frank Lucas. Wade has a much greater intellect than Lucas and his intellect is also balanced by real common sense. Unfortunately Wade is not running a serious campaign. Only a miracle of God would put Wade in office.

U.S. Representative Dist. 4:  MARCIE EVERHART  I have met Marcie and believe her to have a conservative ideology but the main reason for endorsing her is because Tom Cole is the greatest liberal influence upon the Republican party in the state.

State Senate candidates  -  I believe Senate President Pro Tem Lonnie Paxton is not only liberal but one of the most corrupt members of the Senate. To understand this, watch our podcast as mentioned before when we had State Senator Shane Jett on as our guest. As such anyone running for Senate and willing to vote for Senator David Bullard to be our next Pro Tem will get a very close look from me.

SD 2:  PAYTON PEPIN  Four years ago I told OK2A & MOHA that Ally Seifried was the wrong candidate. With Senator Seifried’s conservative index score a 61 she is one of the 10 most liberal Senators of the 40. I have had a lengthy conversation with Mr. Pepin and he is quite an accomplished businessman.

SD 4:  KENNY SMITH  I have had a great conversation with Mr. Smith who is working very hard to beat Senator Tom Woods. While I was a county commissioner I had many conversations with Tom and while I like him personally, his conservative index score is a 59, as such, there are only 4 Senators with a lower score out of the 40 Republican Senators in office. We must purge these RINOs from office.

SD 10:  JADAN TERRAZAS  Jaden is working very hard and is one of the 11 known candidates to take the pledge not to take contributions or gifts from lobbyists. On the other hand not only does Senator Coleman take those contributions but his score on the index is a 65.

SD 12:  CRAIG STUMP  Mr. Stump is another supporter of Senator Bullard and current Senator Gollihare has a conservative index score of 54, the most liberal Republican in the Senate, let us purge the RINOs.

SD 17:  Justin Wood  This is an open seat, Justin is endorsed by Shane Jett a great conservative in OK.

SD 18:  JACK STEWART  I have known Jack for many years and though his conservative score is an acceptable 70, he is very much a supporter of Senator David Bullard.

SD 20:  MARK LeMARR  Mark is a pastor in Crescent that I have known for many years. He has allowed me to bring very conservative speakers to his church and I can guarantee that he will be one of the most conservative Senators in Oklahoma. Mark has also taken the no lobbyist money or gift pledge.

SD 24:  HEATHER BOSS  Of the 5 candidates I know Heather better than any of the others. I believe her to be a bonafide conservative. Though short on funds she is working very hard.

SD 26:  BRADY BUTLER  This is another open seat and Mr. Butler is a true conservative.

SD 28:  ROBERT TRIMBLE  This is the Senate District in which I live and I have gotten to know Robert quite well. He is a serious Christian, was a military leader and very successful small businessman. Robert has a very strong conviction against taking money or gifts from lobbyists. I believe incumbent Grant Green lacks a moral code to be a Senator and with a conservative index score of a 60, there are only 5 with a score lower than Green out of the 40 Senate Republicans.

SD 32:  DUSTY DEEVERS  This pastor Senator from Elgin is 1 of the most conservative Senators in the State. I believe Senator Deevers is a target for Senator Paxton to defeat, big money is against Deevers..

SD 34:  DANA PRIETO  Senator Prieto from Owasso is another member of the freedom caucus with an 85 conservative index score. I know him fairly well and it would be a shame to lose him.

SD 36:  PHILIP WEILAND  I have never met Weiland but Senator Haste is a liberal that supports Paxton.

SD 38:  YOUR CHOICE  I just couldn’t find out enough about either of them to make a decision. 

SD 42:  MALANA BRACHT  The incumbent Brenda Standly is quite liberal and Malana, a pastor’s wife, is working very hard and may pull off the upset. In my conversations with her I believe her to be very conservative and a person of high integrity.

State House Seats, Last year we added some great conservative members and we need to expand on those numbers for the State House to get back to a conservative majority of Republican Representatives.

HD 1:  CHRIS WHITE  I have to rely on OK2A and MOHA for this one as I have had no communication with any of the 4 candidates.

HD 3:  RICK WEST  I have known Rep West for several years and with a 97 conservative index score and the fact that he refuses to take contributions from lobbyists makes him ideal.

HD 6:  RUSTY CORNWELL  Rep Cornwell has an index score of 73, don’t know about the other 2.

HD 8 : TOM GANN  With an index score of a 96 and refusing to take funds from lobbyists, he’s great.

HD 9:  CRYSTAL CAMPBELL  This is based on survey scores from OK2A and MOHA.

HD 10:  JAKE BAIR  Rep Strom’s Index score is 60, my conversations with Mr. Bair has convinced me that he will be much more conservative. He is also another one that has taken the no lobbyists pledge.

HD 11:  JOHN KANE  Rep Kane’s index score is a 91, his opponent had an index score of 100. I wish she would have waited for 2 years and then run for Senator Julie Daniels seat when she will term out.

HD 12:  MARK CHAPMAN  Rep Chapman’s index score is 73, not knowing about his opponent I will stay with Rep Chapman.

HD 14:  CHRIS SNEED  Rep Sneed’s index score is a 74, I will stay with OK2As survey results.

HD 18:  DAVID SMITH  Rep Smith’s index score is 77, I will trust OK2A on this one.

HD 19:  MICHAEL BRITTINGHAM  This is an open seat and Michael is endorsed by OK2A.

HD 20:  JONATHAN WILK  Rep Wilk’s index score is an 80, he deserves to be re-elected

HD 24:  CHRIS BANNING  Rep Banning’s index score is a 75 and he is endorsed by OK2A.

HD 27:  ROBERTA LEWIS  Open seat, Lewis is endorsed by OK2A and MOHA.

HD 29:  YOUR CHOICE  Speaker Hilbert's index score is 60 but I know nothing about his opponent.

HD 31:  KARMIN GRIDER  This is the house district in which I live and know both of these candidates. I like them both but Representative Duel’s index score is a barely acceptable 70 I am confident that Karmin will govern much more conservatively. I disagree with OK2A and MOHA on their endorsements. If elected Karmin will prove both of them wrong.

HD 32:  JIM SHAW  I know Jim well with his Index Score of 100 and with his great communication skills, I believe he will be a leader in the future as time goes forward..

HD 33:  MOLLY JENKINS  Molly has been a realtor for me in the past. Molly and Jim Shaw and I have also attended the same church in the past. Molly, just like Jim has an index score of 100.

HD 35:  YOUR CHOICE  Rep Dillon Travis was recently elected in a special election and has not been in office long enough to determine if he will be a good representative or not.

HD 36:  JENNI WHITE  Rep John George, a former union boss has an index score of 63, I have known Jenni for 25 years or so & though we have quite often differed, she is more conservative than John.

HD 37:  JEREMY SACKET  This is based upon OK2A and MOHA.

HD 38:  MICHAEL NORMAN  I did an extensive interview with Michael and believe him to be very conservative. He has also taken the pledge to take no money or gifts from lobbyists.

HD 39:  RHONDA PETERSON  I met Rhonda many years ago and appreciate her passion to make a difference for good. Representative Harris has an index score of 65. Rhonda lost to him by less than 30 votes a couple of years ago.

HD 40:  KINSLEY JORDAN  This is based on OK2A and MOHA, I have met neither of the candidates.

HD 42:  KAITY KIETH  Rep Roe is too liberal with and index score of 66. I have had several conversations with Kaity and am convinced she would be far more conservative than Cindy Roe.

HD 47:  KEVIN WARNENEMUENDE  This is another endorsement by OK2A.

HD 51:  COLE STEVENS  Cole is very impressive, he is in the trucking industry and as such has done a lot of citizen lobby work at the Capitol as well as with Congress, especially relating to illegal aliens driving trucks across Oklahoma and America. I visited with him recently and was impressed with his grasp of conservatism.

HD 53:  JASON BLAIR  I have known Jason for many years. His index score is a 73, but I believe and hope that will come up next year. His biggest problem was being on the city council of Moore for nearly a dozen years. That position usually conditions elected officials to spend evermore money. As a legislator we should always seek to eliminate waste, fraud, corruption and stop trying to solve every problem rather than trying to reduce our tax burden.

HD 54:  PHILIP LANCASTER  This young veteran has a great grasp of the principles of good government, however, he probably lacks the resources to win.

HD 60:  MIKE KELLEY  Rep Kelley has an index score of 70 and though that is at a minimum in the realm of good, without knowing his opponent I will stay with him.

HD 65:  CARLA BLUE WEAVER  This is based upon good survey scores from OK2A and MOHA.

HD 69:  ANGELA STROHM  Another candidate that did well on surveys from OK2A & MOHA.

HD 74:  KEVIN NORWOOD  Rep Norwood has been in office such a short time as to not have and index score. He deserves more time to show if he is truly a conservative.

HD 81:  TROY TALLEY  Mr. Talley has top survey results with OK2A & MOHA. An involved activist friend fully endorses Troy. I have had a couple of discussions with Amber Canary and believe her to not be ready to be a Representative, though I do believe she is a serious Christian.

HD 86:  DAVID HARDIN  Rep Hardin has an index score of an 80 and deserves to be re-elected.

HD 91:  MICHAEL FREEMAN  I found Mr. Freeman to want to serve in this position to make life better for the citizens of Oklahoma, quite humble and very intelligent, Top survey scores with OK2A and MOHA.

HD 95:  YOUR CHOICE  I consider both of these men as friends. Rep Wolfley has an index score of a 78 but some tell me and it is quite possible that Brent Rinehart would be more conservative?

HD 96:  JOHN BACHMAN  I have known John for 25 years or so and last year put him through the ringer as far as discussions about good principles in government. He has read everything I gave him and has indicated it was very valuable. Representative Stinson has an index score of a 44, the lowest score of the 84 Republican house members. The next one up is a 52, if we want good government we must purge RINOs like Stinson out of office.

HD 98:  GABE WOOLEY  Rep Wooley has an index score of a 90. This Tulsa area Republican has sponsored some good legislation and he works hard to get them passed.

State Question 832:  VOTE NO  This is probably THE MOST DANGEROUS State Question we have ever voted on. If it passes, in just 3 years our minimum wage will more than double to $15.00 an hour. However, it does not stop there as each year it will continue to increase FOR EVER as tied to a cost of living index in cities such as New York City, Chicago, San Francisco and Seattle as measured by the U.S. Department of Labor’s Consumer Price Index for Urban Wage Earners. That could cause wages to rise to $30 an hour or more over the next 10 years. Should that happen many small businesses will cease to exist and most entry level jobs will dry up. The cost of living will skyrocket as the prices of everything we purchase will increase beyond what we can imagine. Passage of 832 will be devastating to folks living on a fixed income. Currently students, part time workers, farm workers and domestic workers are exempted from Oklahoma’s minimum wage laws. However, should 832 pass those positions will lose their exemption and all those jobs but farm workers will disappear.  832 will exempt federal and state jobs but does not exempt county or city government workers. If 832 passes it will probably cause a combination of tax increases at those two levels of government and or a reduction in services. Who is behind this evil proposal? The Democratic Socialists of America and their local Oklahoma chapter. The National organization maintains a web site devoted to 832 where they urge people to join their “WAGE UP OKLAHOMA” campaign. It is being financed by millionaires and billionaires that hate America and all the good we stand for.

Much of this information is provided by the Oklahoma Council of Public Affairs. My podcast, The ABCs of Politics and Culture can be watched on FaceBook, YouTube, X [formerly Twitter] and Rumble. We have interviewed many of the state wide candidates for office. You may contact me at charliemeadows7@gmail.com.