Mullin Replacement Revealed?
Republican Rep. Kevin Hern of Oklahoma announced Wednesday that he is running for the U.S. Senate seat expected to open after Sen. Markwayne Mullin was tapped to serve as the next Secretary of Homeland Security.
The announcement immediately sets the stage for a high-profile Senate race in one of the nation’s most reliably conservative states.
In a campaign video introducing his Senate bid, Hern highlighted his personal story and pledged to support President Donald Trump’s America First agenda in Washington.
“I’ve always believed in putting America first,” Hern said. “The United States is the only country where someone who grew up poor can work hard, build a business, and earn the trust of voters to represent them.”
Hern also warned that the American dream is under pressure from the political left, along with Republicans who he believes have not fully supported Trump’s policies.
“The radical left and some Republicans want to weaken the America First movement,” Hern said. “That’s why I’m running for the United States Senate—to make sure President Trump has a strong and loyal ally fighting for Oklahoma.”
Kevin Hern’s Background: From Business Owner to Conservative Leader
Rep. Hern was first elected to Congress in 2018 and currently represents Oklahoma’s 1st Congressional District, which includes the Tulsa metropolitan area.
Before entering politics, Hern built a successful career as a business owner. After studying astronautical engineering, he went on to own multiple McDonald’s franchises, creating jobs and building a strong reputation in the business community.
In Congress, Hern now serves as chairman of the House Republican Policy Committee, one of the key leadership roles responsible for shaping conservative legislative strategy.
His Senate campaign is expected to focus heavily on:
- Supporting President Trump’s America First policies
- Strengthening border security
- Promoting small business growth
- Protecting American jobs
Trump’s Mullin Nomination Sparks Oklahoma Senate Race
The Senate seat became available after President Trump nominated Sen. Markwayne Mullin to replace Kristi Noem as Secretary of Homeland Security.
If confirmed, Mullin’s move to the cabinet will leave an open Senate seat in Oklahoma, triggering a competitive Republican primary.
Several other prominent Republicans are reportedly considering entering the race, including:
- Rep. Stephanie Bice
- Rep. Josh Brecheen
- State Sen. Dusty Deevers
Because Oklahoma is a heavily Republican state, the GOP primary will likely determine the eventual winner of the Senate seat.
Governor Must Appoint Temporary Senator
Once Mullin leaves the Senate, Oklahoma Governor Kevin Stitt will have 30 days to appoint a temporary replacement.
The appointed senator would serve until the end of Mullin’s current term in January 2027.
Under Oklahoma law, the temporary appointee is required to sign an oath stating they will not run for the seat permanently. However, some legal experts have questioned whether that rule could actually be enforced.
Key Election Dates for Oklahoma Senate Race
The race for Oklahoma’s Senate seat will move quickly.
Important dates include:
- Candidate filing deadline: April 3
- Republican primary election: June 16
Hern’s Senate campaign will also create an open House seat in Oklahoma’s 1st District, which is expected to attract multiple Republican candidates from the Tulsa area.
Oklahoma Remains Solid Republican Territory
Political analysts widely consider Oklahoma to be one of the most reliably conservative states in America.
According to the Cook Political Report, the Senate seat is rated “Solid Republican.”
The state has not elected a Democrat to the U.S. Senate since 1990.
Hern’s current congressional district is also considered safely Republican. In fact, no Democrat has won the district since 1984.
Because of that strong conservative track record, the upcoming Republican primary is likely to determine who will become Oklahoma’s next U.S. senator.
