Kevin Hern enters Oklahoma Senate race as Mullin heads to DHS

WASHINGTON, DC: House GOP Policy Committee Chairman Kevin Hern officially launched his campaign for the US Senate on Wednesday, March 11, moving to capture the seat expected to be vacated by Senator Markwayne Mullin.

The vacancy followed President Donald Trump's selection of Mullin to lead the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) following the firing of Kristi Noem.

Hern, the first major Republican to declare his candidacy, entered the race positioning himself as a close ally of the president.

In a campaign launch video, Hern pledged to confront what he described as “Democrat insanity” and Republicans who opposed the 'America First' agenda.

He also emphasized his priorities, including securing the southern border, deporting illegal migrants, and addressing economic concerns.

From poverty to McDonald’s franchise wealth

Hern’s campaign highlighted his personal background as part of his pitch to Oklahoma voters. According to his campaign, he grew up in poverty and lived without indoor plumbing until his teenage years.

Before being elected to Congress in 2018, Hern built a successful business career as a McDonald’s franchise owner. His campaign said that experience in both business and government would shape his approach in the Senate race.

Oklahoma remains a strongly Republican state, making the GOP primary winner a heavy favorite in the general election.

While Hern is the first candidate to enter the race, the field could expand. Representative Stephanie Bice has indicated she is considering a run but has not announced a final decision.

Trump operatives join Kevin Hern’s campaign team

Hern has assembled a campaign team that includes several advisers with ties to Trump’s political network. Pollster Tony Fabrizio, who has worked on multiple Trump campaigns, will serve as a senior adviser.

Fabrizio said Hern has entered the race in a strong position, pointing to his support for the president’s policy agenda and his political standing in Oklahoma.

Hern also secured endorsements from four Republican senators: Jim Banks, Bill Hagerty, Rick Scott, and Ron Johnson. 

The early backing from several conservative lawmakers signaled support within the party’s America First wing as the race began to take shape.

Navigating Oklahoma’s unique Senate appointment rules

Under Oklahoma law, the governor’s temporary appointee to fill a Senate vacancy needs to sign an affidavit agreeing not to run in the special election that follows.

The rule is designed to prevent the interim replacement from gaining the advantage of incumbency before voters choose a permanent successor.

Senate Majority Leader John Thune is scheduled to meet with Oklahoma Governor Kevin Stitt this week to discuss the appointment process.

Thune noted that the temporary replacement must be named by the end of the month but said the long-term decision will ultimately be “decided by the voters of Oklahoma.”

Markwayne Mullin faces March DHS confirmation deadline

President Trump has set a March 31 deadline for Mullin to assume leadership of DHS and for Kristi Noem to leave the position.

Mullin is expected to clear the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee without major resistance, though the timing of a full Senate vote remains uncertain.

The confirmation process is expected to begin next week. Mullin’s potential move to the executive branch could trigger a reshuffling in Oklahoma politics, with Hern moving quickly to position himself in the race for the open Senate seat.