By OBBM Network Editorial Staff

Dan Schultz

What would happen if every vacant precinct committee seat in the nation were filled by a committed Republican? Dan Schultz thinks the answer could be a decisive swing in the 2026 midterms.

The Vacant Seats Crisis

Schultz points out that precinct committee positions—roughly 400,000 nationwide—are largely unfilled. In Florida, only 44% of the slots are occupied; in Maricopa County, Arizona, the figure drops to 36.6%. He notes that “almost everywhere, half of the slots are vacant,” a pattern that, in his view, weakens the party’s grassroots engine.

These committees are not merely ceremonial. They elect local party officers, select candidates for primary ballots, and choose the state and national committeemen who sit on the Republican National Committee. With three members from each state, the RNC’s 168 seats are all elected, not bought, making precinct committees a critical gateway for genuine party influence.

Turnout Trends Reveal a Bigger Problem

Schultz reviews recent primary data to illustrate the impact of low engagement. In the March 2026 Texas primary, Republican turnout was a “pathetic” 32.9%, only slightly above the five‑decade average of 20%. Similarly, Kentucky’s costly House primary saw a 34% turnout, meaning two‑thirds of Republicans stayed home.

He argues that big‑money campaigns fail to move the needle: “What moves the needle is precinct committeemen, and I’ve proven that.” The high cost of primary races, he suggests, primarily enriches consultants and media firms rather than boosting voter participation.

From Rhino Incumbents to Fresh Voices

Schultz labels entrenched, establishment Republicans as “Rhinos,” a term he uses for incumbents resistant to grassroots change. In the 2025–2026 cycle, 95.4% of incumbent state legislators who sought re‑election won, and only a handful of U.S. senators—John Cornyn in Texas and Bill Cassidy, who voted to impeach President Donald J. Trump—were ousted.

He highlights the defeats of notable figures like Rep. Dan Crenshaw, who lost his primary to Steve Toth, and Rep. Thomas Massey in Kentucky. These losses, though few, illustrate that targeted precinct activism can unseat even high‑profile incumbents when the base mobilizes.

How Listeners Can Get Involved

Schultz urges listeners to become precinct committeemen as a direct way to influence party direction. He references his own journey—first getting involved in 2007 after learning about precinct committees in seventh‑grade civics, then stepping back due to military service, law school, and a stint in Washington, D.C.—to illustrate that participation is a lifelong opportunity.

He also promotes his audio book, How to Get into the Real Ballgame of Politics, Where You Live to Help President Donald J. Trump Make America Great Again, which he says condenses his experience into a 58‑minute guide. The book is available on Amazon in audio form and as a paperback abroad, reflecting demand for grassroots political instruction.

Looking Ahead to the General Election

Based on recent primary outcomes, Schultz predicts a bleak turnout for the upcoming general election, warning that “the Democrats are going to win everything, or a lot.” He stresses that the only tool Republicans have left is voter mobilization through precinct committees, urging supporters to vote as if their lives depend on it.

He concludes with a personal note: his motivation stems from his children, stating, “If I didn’t have any kids, I’d be skiing in Switzerland right now. I wouldn’t be doing this crap because I know what’s coming.” This personal stake underscores his call to action for listeners to protect the future they want for the next generation.

In a political landscape where many seats sit empty and voter enthusiasm wanes, Schultz’s message is clear: filling precinct committee vacancies could be the grassroots lever needed to shift the 2026 midterms in favor of conservatives.

The full episode of Precinct Strategy with Dan Schultz is available on OBBM Network TV.