Oklahoma AG calls some Republicans 'fascist' amid governor runoff battle

Oklahoma Attorney General Gentner Drummond told attendees at a University of Tulsa candidate forum that he considers some “extreme” members of the Republican Party to be “fascist,” drawing a sharp line between his gubernatorial aspirations and former state senator Mike Mazzei, who did not attend. Drummond explained that his perception of the political spectrum has changed from linear to circular, suggesting that moving far right eventually flips to the opposite side.

He used the platform to defend his lawsuits against poultry corporations, actions against insurers Allstate and State Farm, and his opposition to the Inola aluminum smelter, all of which diverge from Governor Kevin Stitt’s stance. Mazzei’s campaign responded by linking the “fascist” comment to Drummond’s record of donating $1,000 to Joe Biden and contributions to eleven Oklahoma Democrats, likening it to past partisan slurs.

President Donald Trump amplified the criticism on Truth Social, labeling Drummond a “fake Republican” and condemning his family’s donations to Biden and the Lincoln Project. The exchange highlights intra-party tensions as the Aug. 25 Republican runoff approaches.