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Kevin Hern Launches Oklahoma Senate Bid as Mullin Moves to DHS

His run for the full term bars him from Gov. Kevin Stitt’s short-term appointment under a state rule requiring a noncandidate caretaker.

Rep. Kevin Hern, R-Okla., talks with reporters outside the Capitol on Sept. 11, 2025.
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UNITED STATES - MAY 22: Rep. Kevin Hern, R-Okla., leaves a meeting of the House Republican Conference in the U.S. Capitol on Wednesday, May 22, 2024. (Tom Williams/CQ-Roll Call, Inc via Getty Images) UNITED STATES - MARCH 5: Sen. Markwayne Mullin, R-Okla., arrives to the U.S. Capitol after President Donald Trump selected him to be Department of Homeland Security secretary to replace Kristi Noem on Thursday, March 5, 2026. (Tom Williams/CQ-Roll Call, Inc via Getty Images)
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Overview

  • Rep. Kevin Hern formally entered the race for Oklahoma’s open U.S. Senate seat with an America First, pro-Trump message and a bid for the full six-year term.
  • Hern resigned as House Republican Policy Committee chair in line with conference rules for members seeking higher office.
  • He secured endorsements from GOP senators including Jim Banks, Bill Hagerty, Rick Scott and Ron Johnson, and hired Trump-aligned pollster Tony Fabrizio as a senior adviser.
  • President Donald Trump nominated Sen. Markwayne Mullin to lead Homeland Security with confirmation proceedings expected this month, triggering a temporary appointment by Stitt that must go to a caretaker who will not run.
  • Oklahoma’s Republican primary is set for June 16, the general election is Nov. 3, and Rep. Stephanie Bice is among Republicans considering a campaign.