WASHINGTON — U.S. Rep. Kevin Hern announced Wednesday that he will seek the Republican Party’s nomination for the U.S. Senate seat being vacated by U.S. Sen. Markwayne Mullin. Mullin was nominated by President Trump to be the next Secretary of Homeland Security.
Mullin’s confirmation hearing is scheduled for March 18 before the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee. He was tapped for the role after a swift turn of events following Trump’s firing of former Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem.
Hern, who has been the representative for Oklahoma’s First District since 2018, put his name in the hat Wednesday via a social media video touting himself as a self-made businessman. His announcement officially kicks off what could become a very busy primary season in Oklahoma.
“I’ve always been America first, because America is the only country in the world where a kid like me, who grew up dirt poor and worked his way out of poverty, built a business, and earned your trust.”
Hern, who generated his wealth through owning 18 McDonald’s locations, vowed to go toe-to-toe with “the radical left” and “RINOs” (Republicans in name only) throughout the political world.
Hern insisted that these two groups want to “turn America into a third-world country.”
Hern has been an avid supporter of Donald Trump throughout his career in politics. He took a large chunk of his announcement video, aligning himself with the President.
When RINOs were mentioned, photos of Liz Cheney, Chris Christie, and Nikki Haley flashed on screen momentarily. A photo of Bernie Sanders, who is a registered independent, flashed on screen when Hern mentioned “the radical left.”
Hern’s move was widely rumored; he is now sending a clear signal to other potential contenders that they are in for a fight if they jump in.
U.S. Rep. Stephanie Bice, who represents the state’s Fifth District – Oklahoma City and eastern suburbs – is also a possible candidate; she took to social media to declare her support for Mullin, as well as declaring that she is “carefully considering” running for Senate herself.
“President Trump has made an excellent choice. Markwayne is a great friend and a fierce advocate for the America First Agenda,” she wrote.
U.S. Rep. Tom Cole, Chair of the House Appropriations Committee, who is from Moore, works as a representative alongside Hern. Cole has previously supported Hern in the past, including his brief run for Speaker of the House in 2023. However, Cole has not officially endorsed his fellow U.S. House member. Cole did, however, take an opportunity to congratulate Mullin on his possible promotion.
“I am proud to see my congressional colleague, friend, and fellow Native American, Senator Markwayne Mullin, receive this well-deserved nomination to serve as President Trump’s Secretary of Homeland Security. Markwayne understands the critical importance of securing the homeland and protecting our communities, and I am confident he will serve with distinction in this new role.”
Mullin’s confirmation and his resignation from the Senate would open up the senate seat, requiring Oklahoma Governor Kevin Stitt to appoint a replacement within 30 days to serve until the special election is held in November.
This power has led to speculation throughout the state that Stitt, who has previously said he intends on returning to the private sector, may be considering running for the November opening himself. However, for now, Stitt claims his main focus is on being the selector for the interim spot.
“I will be looking to appoint a strong, small government conservative voice to support President Trump and protect Oklahomans’ way of life,” he said.
Oil businessman Harold Hamm, an ally of both Stitt and Trump, has also emerged as a contender for the interim spot. Sources indicate that Hamm contacted the governor last week to discuss the upcoming vacant spot in the Senate.
Gaylord News is a reporting project of the University of Oklahoma Gaylord College of Journalism and Mass Communication. For more stories by Gaylord News, go to GaylordNews.net
