Overview
- Hern, the House Republican Policy Committee chair, formally entered the race for a full six-year term and cast himself as a staunch ally of President Trump.
- He has secured support from Sens. Jim Banks, Bill Hagerty, Ron Johnson and Rick Scott, with House endorsements from Brandon Gill and Troy Nehls.
- Trump tapped Sen. Markwayne Mullin to lead Homeland Security, with Senate confirmation proceedings expected later this month and a March 31 target for the transition.
- Gov. Kevin Stitt will name a temporary senator who must sign an affidavit not to run in November under Oklahoma law.
- Rep. Stephanie Bice has expressed interest in the seat, as Senate GOP leaders remain publicly neutral while pressing to fill the vacancy quickly.