Members of the House Republican leadership are entering the race for the Senate seat expected to be vacated by Sen. Markwayne Mullin (R-Okla.), who has been chosen to lead the Department of Homeland Security (DHS).
Kevin Hahn (R-Okla.), chairman of the House Republican Policy Committee, plans to officially announce his Senate candidacy on Wednesday. He has already garnered support from at least four Republican senators.
In his campaign kickoff video, he stated, “The American Dream is under threat from the radical left and RINO Republicans who oppose President Trump’s America First agenda. They are, in essence, turning America into a Third World country.” He continued, “That’s why I’m running for the United States Senate. To ensure President Trump has a faithful ally, someone who stood by him when the RINOs turned their backs. This leader will battle the madness of the Democratic Party, secure our southern border, deport dangerous illegal immigrants, collaborate with law enforcement, and provide economic relief.”
Hahn, who faced poverty and lacked indoor plumbing during his childhood until his teenage years, eventually found financial success through McDonald’s franchises before joining Congress in 2018.
As the first prominent Republican to express interest in Mullin’s seat, he is expected to be a leading contender in the upcoming Republican primary in this predominantly red state.
With Mullin likely leaving the Senate after his nomination by President Donald Trump to lead DHS, he is slated for a confirmation hearing later this month.
It’s standard for Senate vacancies to be filled by the governor, who serves the remainder of the previous senator’s term. However, in Oklahoma, the governor’s appointees need to sign a pledge not to run in the next election, scheduled for November, which means Mullin’s term won’t end until the close of 2026.
The Republican primary for Mullin’s seat may become crowded, though Rep. Stephanie Bice (R-Okla.) has yet to finalize her decision regarding her candidacy.
Meanwhile, Hahn is collaborating with individuals close to Trump and has hired pollster Tony Fabrizio as a senior adviser. Fabrizio commented that Hahn is in a “strong position” to secure the seat, highlighting his support for Trump’s policies, trust among Oklahoma voters, and experience in both public service and business.
Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-S.D.) aims to swiftly fill Mullin’s seat and is set to meet with Oklahoma Gov. Kevin Stitt this week, a typical step when commitments are needed as seen in Mullin’s case.
Looking ahead, Thune has no particular preference for Mullin’s replacement, mentioning that “In the short term, we need to fill Markwayne’s seat by the end of this month, and then the longer-term issues will be handled by the voters of Oklahoma.” He added, “Whoever they choose, we’ll be ready to accept.”
Despite the ongoing developments, Hahn has already gained the backing of several senators, including Jim Banks (R-Ind.), Bill Hagerty (R-Tenn.), Rick Scott (R-Fla.), and Ron Johnson (R-Wis.).
President Trump has set March 31 as the target date for Mullin to assume office while Noem exits her role. The confirmation process is anticipated to proceed smoothly through the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee, although it remains uncertain if Mullin will clear the full confirmation vote.
