Oklahoma State Rep. McCane speaks out against authoritarianism at 'No Kings' protest

House District 72 Representative Michelle McCane stood alongside protesters at Saturday’s “No Kings Day” protest in downtown Tulsa—one of more than 1,600 events held nationwide.

While many who attended spoke out against what they call authoritarianism and overreach by state and federal leaders, McCane says the movement is about something deeper than party lines.

Q: Why did you come out to this protest?

McCane: “This is in my district. But also, I don’t support fascism—and I’m not ever going to support it.”

 “When people show up somewhere and they’re upset, I’m going to show up and stand with them. But I’m also upset. I mean, I’m an elected official, but I’m also a citizen. And this is not what I voted for. This is not acceptable.”

Q: Why do you see this moment as politically significant?

McCane: “We took an oath to protect and uphold not only the Oklahoma Constitution, [but] the U.S. Constitution. And all I’ve seen, for the most part, is just a bunch of unconstitutional, ego-driven harm coming out of this administration.”

“I think it’s important for those of us that do have these positions to stand up and say that we don’t accept that.”

Q: Oklahoma is often seen as a deep red state—does that shape your view?

McCane: “First of all, Oklahoma is not a monolith. We’re not just a red state. We have red voter turnout—but we have a mixture of folks.”

“I represent libertarians and independents and Republicans and Democrats all the same. And their expectation of me has been the same: I’m supposed to be upholding the law, upholding the Constitution, taking care of people, and doing what’s right. What we have seen is not what’s right.”

Q: What do you say to people who argue this is just political theater?

McCane: “We can address immigration without violating the Constitution. We can address government fraud and abuse without trampling on people’s rights.”

“You can be a Republican and disagree with fascist behavior.”