Republican Exposes Democrat Party’s Secret

Rep. Kevin Hern is raising concerns about the growing influence of democratic socialism within the Democratic Party as the Oklahoma Republican prepares for a U.S. Senate showdown against Democratic nominee N’Kiyla Jasmine Thomas.

Hern argued over the weekend that ideas once associated primarily with the party’s progressive wing are becoming increasingly visible in Democratic politics nationwide.

During an appearance on Newsmax’s “Saturday Report,” Hern pointed to Sen. Bernie Sanders and the rise of progressive House Democrats as examples of how the political landscape has changed over the past decade and a half.

Hern’s comments also come as democratic socialist candidates have attracted attention in several 2026 Democratic primaries, adding another ideological battle to an already contentious midterm election season.

Hern Points to Democratic Socialism’s Growing Influence

Hern said Sanders was once largely alone among members of Congress in openly embracing the democratic socialist label.

That began to change as a new generation of progressive lawmakers arrived in Washington, including members of the group commonly known as the “Squad.”

Hern now argues that the movement has expanded beyond a relatively small faction of elected Democrats.

“The Democrat socialist agenda is alive and well in the Democrat Party,” Hern told Newsmax while discussing the political divide.

That is Hern’s assessment of the party rather than a position shared by all Democrats. Democratic elected officials continue to span a wide ideological range, from self-described democratic socialists and progressives to centrists and moderates.

Still, the success of progressive candidates in some 2026 Democratic contests has given Republicans a new opportunity to make socialism a campaign issue.

Recent House Vote Fuels Debate Over Socialism

Hern also pointed to a recent House vote involving a Republican resolution denouncing socialism.

The vote quickly became political ammunition for Republicans, who argued that Democratic opposition illustrated how much their rival party had changed.

But the vote requires additional context.

The Republican-backed measure included more than a condemnation of socialism. It also contained language supporting the SAVE America Act, an election-related proposal opposed by many Democrats.

As a result, opposition to the complete resolution cannot necessarily be interpreted as support for socialism.

The dispute nevertheless highlights a much broader argument taking place in Washington over the appropriate size and role of the federal government.

Issues including government spending, healthcare, immigration, taxation and federal benefits are likely to keep that debate prominent heading into the November elections.

Oklahoma Senate Race Puts Differences in Spotlight

For Hern, the debate is also personal.

The Oklahoma congressman is the Republican nominee in the special election for the state’s open U.S. Senate seat. He will face Thomas in November.

Thomas, a 31-year-old nurse from Ardmore, defeated Jim Priest in Oklahoma’s Democratic runoff in August after leading the initial Democratic primary in June.

She has identified herself as a democratic socialist while saying she is not a member of the Democratic Socialists of America.

Thomas and Hern offer Oklahoma voters substantially different approaches to several major national issues.

Thomas Supports Medicare for All and Changes to ICE

Thomas has supported Medicare for All and universal childcare, proposals that would significantly expand the federal government’s involvement in healthcare and family assistance.

She has also called for abolishing Immigration and Customs Enforcement in its current form.

That position has become particularly important politically because immigration and border enforcement remain major issues in Washington.

Thomas has not, however, embraced every position sometimes associated with the progressive left. She has said she does not support defunding the Department of Defense.

Hern has used Thomas’ positions to argue that Oklahoma voters are being presented with two sharply different political philosophies.

Thomas, meanwhile, has framed her agenda around restructuring government to better serve working-class Americans.

Trump Becomes Another Major Issue in Oklahoma Race

President Donald Trump is another significant dividing line between the two Senate candidates.

During a July interview with Oklahoma public radio station KOSU, Thomas said she would pursue efforts during her first 100 days in office to impeach, remove and convict Trump.

That pledge gives Hern and Republicans another major point of contrast heading into the general election.

Trump endorsed Hern following former Sen. Markwayne Mullin’s move to the Department of Homeland Security.

Thomas has also discussed substantial structural changes to the federal government, although she rejects suggestions that her proposals would amount to abandoning the Constitution.

She has described her objective as rebuilding and restructuring government rather than eliminating the constitutional framework established by the nation’s founders.

Republicans Make Socialism a Midterm Issue

The Oklahoma race reflects a broader political argument likely to continue through the 2026 midterm elections.

Republicans are increasingly highlighting progressive Democratic candidates and policies as evidence that the Democratic Party is moving further to the left.

Democrats and progressives counter that programs such as expanded healthcare and childcare are intended to provide greater economic security for working families.

Those competing arguments leave voters to decide not merely between individual candidates, but between substantially different views about the federal government’s responsibilities.

Hern maintains that conservative principles and a more limited approach to federal power offer the better path. Thomas is campaigning on a platform calling for considerably greater government involvement in several areas.

Hern and Thomas Head Toward November Showdown

Hern secured the Republican Senate nomination in June after receiving nearly 70% of the primary vote.

Thomas subsequently emerged from the Democratic contest, setting up the November matchup.

The special election is being held to replace Markwayne Mullin, who left the Senate after being appointed secretary of Homeland Security.

With healthcare, immigration, federal spending, the role of government and President Trump all separating the candidates, Oklahoma voters will have a clear ideological contrast on their ballots.

Hern is betting that concerns about socialism and expanding federal power will resonate with voters. Thomas is arguing that significant changes in Washington are necessary to improve government for working Americans.

That debate is likely to remain at the center of the Oklahoma Senate campaign as Election Day approaches.