Senate Advances Nomination of Markwayne Mullin as DHS Head
On Sunday, the Senate moved forward with President Trump’s nomination of Republican Senator Markwayne Mullin from Oklahoma to lead the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), receiving unexpected backing from some Democrats who regard him as a friend.
The Senate held an unusual session, voting 54-37 to confirm Mullin as the successor to Kristi Noem as Secretary of Homeland Security, with a final vote anticipated on Monday or Tuesday. Senator John Fetterman from Pennsylvania was among those Democrats who voted “yes,” and a second supporting senator from New Mexico, Martin Heinrich, made waves by breaking party lines to push Mullin’s nomination ahead.
“This might catch some off guard, but I see Markwayne Mullin as a friend. We have a cordial and productive working relationship,” Heinrich stated, emphasizing their collaborations on legislation such as the Tribal Buffalo Management Act. He noted that while they don’t always agree, they strive to find common ground.
Heinrich further pointed out that Mullin is not easily swayed, expressing optimism about having a secretary who wouldn’t simply take orders from figures like Stephen Miller, known for his hardline immigration views.
“For the past five years under this administration and the previous Trump administration, I’ve struggled to maintain a constructive relationship with the Secretary of Homeland Security,” Heinrich remarked, referring to various DHS agencies present in his state.
He envisions having a leader who understands the unique challenges faced in his region, including the need for proper structures and personnel to effectively manage border security. “That’s why I’m voting in favor of Markwayne Mullin,” he concluded.
In December 2025, Mullin and Heinrich had previously teamed up to reintroduce the Bipartisan Indian Buffalo Management Act, which is significant for both New Mexico and Oklahoma, states with notable bison populations and American Indian demographics.
Mullin, a registered member of the Cherokee Nation, is notably the first American Indian senator since Ben Nighthorse Campbell of Colorado left office in 2005.
Fetterman, who serves on the Senate Homeland Security Committee, participated in an 8-7 vote to advance Mullin’s nomination to the full Senate. Pennsylvania Democrats expressed their support for him right after Trump announced Mullin’s nomination.
“We’re unsure how many Democrats will rally behind our nominee,” Fetterman said, declaring his support. Interestingly, Republican Senator Rand Paul of Kentucky was the only GOP member to oppose the nomination during the Sunday vote, having done so previously in committee as well.
During Mullin’s confirmation hearing, Paul critiqued him, suggesting that Mullin’s past comments indicated a troubling attitude towards political violence, questioning his suitability for leading DHS. In response, Mullin clarified that he merely understood the situation without endorsing the violence.
