By OBBM Network Editorial Staff

Dan Schultz

Ever wonder why a single missed vote can tilt an entire primary in favor of establishment candidates?

Low Turnout, High Stakes

Dan Schultz points to dismal primary participation rates as a warning sign for the conservative movement. In the 2026 Texas U.S. Senate primary, turnout was just 32.9 percent, while Kentucky’s costly Senate and House primaries saw only 34 percent of eligible Republicans casting ballots. “The turnout was pathetic,” Schultz said, underscoring how even massive campaign spending failed to mobilize the base.

These numbers contrast sharply with his own precinct’s 2020 performance, where over 90 percent of Republican voters turned out, far above the state average of 72 percent. Schultz uses that success to illustrate the impact of targeted outreach to low‑propensity voters, rather than catering only to the reliable electorate.

The Power of Precinct Committeemen

At the heart of Schultz’s strategy is the role of precinct committeemen. These local party officials, elected by voters at caucuses or on the ballot, select officers at every level of the Republican Party—from county committees up to the RNC. “Only precinct committeemen get to vote for who runs the party,” he explained, emphasizing that filling vacant slots is essential for steering the party toward true conservative leadership.

The Trump administration’s endorsement of the Precinct Commitment Strategy on February 27, 2022, adds weight to Schultz’s call. He notes that more than half of precinct chair positions remain unfilled in many states, leaving the party vulnerable to RINO (Republican In Name Only) dominance.

Case Studies: Missed Opportunities in 2026

Schultz highlights several recent races where conservative candidates lost despite deep pockets. In Florida, incumbent Corey Mills fell short, and in Texas, Dan Crenshaw was defeated—outcomes Schultz attributes to a failure to recruit and empower precinct committeemen. He also references Thomas Massey’s loss to Gall‑Rhyne, noting that “most money ever spent in a House Republican primary” did not translate into voter turnout.

He argues that campaign consultants misguided candidates by focusing on “party‑goers” who already vote, instead of reaching “lower information, lower propensity voters.” Schultz says, “We did the opposite. We contacted the lower information, lower propensity voters. That’s what you do in the primary when you want to win.”

Action Steps for Conservatives

Schultz offers a clear roadmap: become a voting member of your local committee, fill vacant precinct chair slots, and mobilize neighbors who might otherwise stay home. He urges listeners to visit precinctstrategy.com for step‑by‑step guides, past podcasts, and a downloadable voter guide.

He also invokes Thomas Paine, reminding activists that “Those who expect to reap the blessings of freedom must, like men, …” and urging them not to be “summer soldiers” who abandon the cause when challenges arise.

Why It Matters

Low primary turnout doesn’t just affect individual races; it reshapes the party’s leadership pipeline. When conservatives abstain, establishment figures retain control of precinct committees, influencing candidate selection and policy direction for years to come. Schultz’s message is clear: the future of America First depends on ordinary voters stepping up at the most local level.

By filling precinct vacancies and energizing the base, conservatives can ensure that the party’s agenda reflects grassroots priorities rather than the preferences of a small, entrenched elite.

For those who think abstaining is a protest, Schultz challenges them directly: “If you’re not going to vote, that is stupid. Prove me wrong.” The invitation is simple—get involved, vote, and help steer the party toward its founding principles.

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