A former longshot candidate for the Alabama Public Service Commission, Robert McCollum, compared the College Republican Federation of Alabama (CRFA) and its chairman to Nazi and communist regimes in two separate 1 a.m. posts on X on Monday.
In March, McCollum, who most recently challenged Twinkle Andress Cavanaugh for her PSC presidency in the 2024 Republican primary, announced his intention to run for Alabama’s open State Auditor seat in 2026. However, he has yet to file his candidacy with the Secretary of State’s office.
McCollum phoned CRFA Chairman Riley McArdle Friday afternoon to express his displeasure at being excluded from the organization’s first Republican primary straw poll of the 2026 cycle, McArdle told Yellowhammer News.
According to McArdle, McCollum became irate after he was told that “only major candidates” were included in the poll, repeatedly cursing before abruptly ending the call.
All candidates not represented by name were represented by an “Other” option in the poll, McArdle said.
Hours after the call, McCollum sent a text message to McArdle to reiterate his outrage.
“Oh btw I almost forgot to tell you F*** YOU have blessed weekend,” McCollum wrote. McArdle subsequently shared the message on X.
Lovely text from State Auditor candidate Robert McCollum (who has yet to file with the SoS office).
Lots of crazy candidates this cycle, y’all! pic.twitter.com/5Cfy1b6vbC
— Riley McArdle (@rileykmcardle) June 14, 2025
After a quiet weekend, McCollum reignited his standoff with the College Republicans, posting on X, “The College Republican Federation of Alabama can be compared to the NAZI party from the 1930s or the Communists.”
The College Republican Federation of Alabama can be compared to the NAZI party from the 1930s or the Communists
— Robert L. McCollum (@robertLmccollum) June 16, 2025
McCollum followed his first post with a second, this time taking direct aim at McArdle.
The College Republican Federation of Alabama Chair can be compared to Adolf Hitler or Joseph Stalin.
— Robert L. McCollum (@robertLmccollum) June 16, 2025
McArdle responded on Tuesday afternoon, writing, “And he wonders why I told him that he’s not a serious candidate for office?”
And he wonders why I told him that he’s not a serious candidate for office? 🤔 https://t.co/60E29WCMdM
— Riley McArdle (@rileykmcardle) June 17, 2025
The Auditor’s office will be up for grabs next year, as incumbent Andrew Sorrell seeks election to the Secretary of State’s office.
Along with McCollum, Derek Chen and Josh Pendergrass, have announced bids for the office.
The 2026 Alabama Republican Party primary election will be held May 19, 2026.
Grayson Everett is the editor in chief of Yellowhammer News. You can follow him on X @Grayson270.
