The Republican Party of Texas has announced it is moving forward with “closing” the 2026 primary. This would mean only those individuals who register as Republican ahead of the March election would be allowed to vote in the GOP nominating contest. According to the GOP chairman, “only Republicans should pick Republican nominees.”
Yesterday, we asked readers if they want the GOP to close its primary.
Do you want to participate in our weekly surveys?
Subscribe to the Texas Minute!
Would you allow a vegan to order your meal at a steakhouse?” – Arthur Potter
“I cannot see how open primaries, anywhere, do anything major except massively violate the First Amendment right to freedom of association.” – Mike Smith
“No. Eliminating straight-ticket voting didn’t help either. We need to energize Republican voters with candidates they’re excited to support—recycling the same RINOs isn’t working.” – Melissa Rowell
“In what kind of world could anyone approve of those from the opposition party selecting YOUR candidate? Seriously, why was this EVER allowed to begin with?” – Michael Sisley
“Republicans’ choice to close the primary disenfranchises the nearly 50% who choose not to identify with a single party—those of us who vote issues and/or character versus party.” – Tess Ailshire
“Open primaries are how we continue to get RINOs like Cornyn and Phelan!” – Carla Trussell
“Texas is in a heap of a mess due to Democrats being able to have a vote in choosing their own opposition! Anyone with half a wit would realize this is like putting the fox in the hen house!” – Deb Hillis
“Will closing the primary really change anything? Those who want to game the system just need to take an extra step now to do so.” – Randall Woodman
“As far as closing for the primary, yes, with a caveat. The closure should be no sooner than the date to register to vote, or within two weeks of the primary, whichever comes first.” – Lani Wilson
“Close the primary! Letting the Democrats choose our representatives is not good for the RPT and not good for Texans. Open primaries are the reason we cannot get rid of Dade Felon.” – Jim Moyer
“Allowing Democrats to vote in our primaries corrupts our intentions.” – Merryl Redding
“Our GOP primaries should have been closed a long time ago. It most certainly would have prevented some of the Rinos from getting elected.” – Steve Tafoya
“Why would we not? What is the logic behind having anyone other than Republicans choose the Republican candidate and same for the Democrats?” – Rhonda Joyner
“Closing the primary is a necessary step to prevent Democrats and the uninformed from choosing the party’s candidates. It may not be sufficient, since people will lie. A caucus or choosing candidates at convention might be more effective.” – Scott Jones
“Democrats vote in RINOs, and RINOs destroy our conservative values. Save our state and close the gate!” – Barbara McClure
“The Democrats love open GOP primaries for the same reason they love open borders. It affords them a useful tool to lie and cheat their way to election victories. They will vote, in our primaries, for the un-electable or a RINO. Either way they win. Close the primaries.” – Dennis Hauze
No ads. No paywalls. No government grants. No corporate masters.
Just real news for real Texans.
Support Texas Scorecard to keep it that way!
