Trump Announces Latest Endorsement

President Donald Trump has made his choice clear in the developing race for a key Oklahoma U.S. Senate seat, offering his strong endorsement to Rep. Kevin Hern (R-Okla.) as Republicans prepare for a potential vacancy in the chamber.

In a message posted Friday on Truth Social, Trump praised Hern as a loyal supporter of the America First movement and someone he believes will stand firmly with the administration’s priorities in Washington.

Trump described the Oklahoma congressman as a “true friend of MAGA” and highlighted Hern’s growing support among grassroots conservatives across the state.

Trump wrote that Kevin enjoys strong backing from some of Oklahoma’s most dedicated MAGA supporters as well as many of the most respected leaders in the United States Senate.

The president also pointed to Hern’s leadership role in Congress, noting that he has been instrumental in advancing Republican policy priorities.

“As the Chair of the House Republican Policy Committee, Kevin is doing a tremendous job advancing our America First agenda,” Trump added.

Trump concluded his endorsement with a strong vote of confidence.

“Kevin Hern will be an outstanding Senator and has my Complete and Total Endorsement — HE WILL NEVER LET YOU DOWN.”

Kevin Hern Launches Campaign to Replace Sen. Markwayne Mullin

Rep. Hern officially entered the race earlier this week, becoming the first candidate to announce a campaign for the Senate seat that could open if Sen. Markwayne Mullin (R-Okla.) moves into a leadership role at the Department of Homeland Security (DHS).

In a campaign launch video released Wednesday, Hern emphasized that his goal is to make sure President Trump has a dependable ally in the Senate as Republicans push forward with major policy initiatives.

Hern said he wants to ensure the president has “a loyal ally” in the upper chamber as lawmakers work on issues important to American families.

Those priorities include:

• Securing the southern border
• Strengthening the U.S. economy
• Supporting America’s military
• Restoring opportunity for hardworking families

Following Trump’s endorsement, Hern expressed appreciation for the president’s support in a message posted on the social platform X.

He praised Trump’s leadership and reaffirmed his commitment to advancing the America First agenda in Washington.

“I’m proud to stand with President Trump to secure our borders, strengthen our economy, support our men and women in uniform, and restore the American Dream for hardworking families,” Hern wrote.

Hern also noted that he has already worked closely with Trump’s agenda in the House and hopes to continue that partnership in the Senate.

DHS Leadership Change Creates Senate Vacancy

The developing Senate race comes after a major shakeup at the Department of Homeland Security.

President Trump recently removed Kristi Noem from the DHS leadership role and selected Sen. Markwayne Mullin as her replacement. If Mullin officially transitions into the DHS position, his Senate seat will become vacant.

The timing of the move has drawn attention in Washington because Republicans currently hold only a narrow majority in the Senate, making every seat important for advancing conservative legislation.

Under Oklahoma state law, Governor Kevin Stitt (R) will appoint a temporary Republican to fill the seat until voters select a permanent replacement.

However, the temporary appointee will not be allowed to run in the special or general election for the seat.

Rep. Stephanie Bice Declines to Enter the Race

Another Oklahoma Republican who had considered entering the Senate race, Rep. Stephanie Bice (R-Okla.), announced Friday that she will instead seek reelection to the House.

Bice explained that she believes her role in Congress remains important as Republicans continue working to pass policies that benefit Oklahoma families and strengthen the nation’s economy.

“President Trump needs strong allies in the House,” Bice wrote in a statement on X. “It is my honor to champion policies that improve the lives of everyday Oklahomans.”

Shortly after her announcement, Trump thanked Bice for her continued service and endorsed her reelection bid.

The president praised the congresswoman for representing Oklahoma’s 5th Congressional District and helping maintain the Republican majority in the House.

Key Dates for the Oklahoma Senate Election

The race to fill the potential Senate vacancy will move quickly.

According to the Oklahoma State Election Board, candidates seeking federal office must file paperwork between April 1 and April 3.

The Republican primary election is scheduled for June 16, setting up what could become one of the most closely watched Senate contests in the country.

With President Trump already backing Kevin Hern early in the race, the endorsement is expected to carry significant influence among Republican voters in Oklahoma.

As the campaign begins to take shape, many political observers believe Trump’s support could play a decisive role in determining who ultimately represents the state in the United States Senate.