Oklahoma Congressman Kevin Hern Enters Senate Race Following Mullin’s Nomination
WASHINGTON – Representative Kevin Hern (R-OK) announced Wednesday his candidacy for the U.S. Senate seat in Oklahoma, setting the stage for a competitive race triggered by Senator Markwayne Mullin’s potential move to the Department of Homeland Security.
Hern, who has served in the House of Representatives since 2018 and chairs the House Republican Policy Committee, is the first candidate to officially declare his intention to run for the seat. The announcement comes after former President Donald Trump nominated Mullin to replace Kristi Noem as Homeland Security Secretary last week.
Should Mullin be confirmed by the Senate, Oklahoma Governor Kevin Stitt will appoint an interim senator to serve until the next general election. However, Oklahoma state law stipulates that any appointee must pledge not to run for a full term, effectively removing them from contention in the upcoming election. Hern’s decision to run signals his intention to compete for the full Senate term, which concludes in January 2027.
Prior to his political career, Hern was a businessman, owning multiple McDonald’s franchises and other ventures. He is now positioning himself as a seasoned conservative voice for Oklahoma.
Mullin, a former mixed martial arts fighter and owner of a plumbing business, won a special election in 2022 to fill the seat left vacant by the retirement of Senator Jim Inhofe. He and Trump are described as “great friends,” with Mullin stating he looks “forward to working with him” in a potential Cabinet role. Trump has indicated he wants Mullin to begin his duties at Homeland Security on March 31.
The unfolding situation presents Governor Stitt with the task of selecting a temporary senator while a full-fledged election campaign takes shape. Hern’s entry into the race immediately alters the dynamics, establishing him as a frontrunner for the position.
