Oklahoma Supreme Court is hearing arguments on SQ 836, a proposal allowing open primary elections for all voters.

As an Oklahoma Supreme Court ruling looms on whether voters will have the chance to open state primary elections to all, the state Republican Party is working to convince its members that State Question 836 is a bad deal.

Oklahoma Supreme Court Chief Justice Dustin P. Rowe conducted the swearing-in ceremony where the new members swore to support, obey and defend the Constitutions of Oklahoma and the United States. The oath includes a commitment against public corruption and a promise to faithfully discharge the duties of their office.

The State Republican Party claimed the state question violated their constitutional rights to associate one candidate of their party towards endorsement. They claimed open primaries would spur confusion among voters on who is a Republican candidate and who is the endorsed Republican candidate.

I think we’ve got a lot of good candidates, but I don’t tend to be involved. I’ve got my own race to worry about," Rep. Tom Cole said.

Oklahoma Supreme Court justices on Tuesday questioned the timing of the state Republican Party’s challenge of a proposed ballot measure that could open primary elections.

The Oklahoma Supreme Court listened to oral arguments from both sides of a legal fight over State Question 836 on Tuesday, a constitutional amendment to “open up” the state’s primary elections. The justices seemed reluctant to make a ruling.

Oklahoma lawmakers reflect on key 2025 legislation, preview interim studies on issues like childcare and sex trafficking, and prepare for the 2026 election cycle.

An Oklahoma judge granted State Superintendent Ryan Walters' motion to dismiss a lawsuit alleging the newly approved social studies standards are unsuitable.