Hern launches Senate bid for Mullin’s Oklahoma seat 

Rep. Kevin Hern (R-Okla.) on Wednesday announced his bid for U.S. Senate in Oklahoma, running to replace Sen. Markwayne Mullin (R), who was tapped last week to lead the Department of Homeland Security (DHS).

Hern, a wealthy businessman, is the first candidate to formally enter the GOP primary to succeed Mullin, whose seat was already up for reelection this year. 

“I grew up on an Air Force base, worked my way through school, built businesses, and served Oklahoma in Congress,” he said in a social media post alongside a video announcing his candidacy. “Now I’m ready to fight for Oklahoma in the Senate.”

The primary election will take place on June 16. Candidates must file to run during the three-day filing period from April 1-3. 

Hern’s campaign launch was expected after he told reporters last Thursday, “Stay tuned for the announcement next week.” 

Other Republicans were reportedly considering a run for the seat. 

Rep. Stephanie Bice (R-Okla.) teased a potential bid in a post on the social platform X last week, saying, “I’ve received encouragement from every corner of this great state to run for the US Senate. And it’s something I’m carefully considering.” 

“Stay tuned!” she added. 

But multiple Oklahoma strategists told The Hill they saw Hern as the race’s likely front-runner, pointing especially to his financial advantage. Early reporting indicated Hern could put $5 million of his own money into the race, with $2.5 million already in his campaign account.

“I think it starts with Kevin Hern, and it might end with him,” Oklahoma Republican strategist Pat McFerron, founding partner of CMA Strategies, said in an interview last week. “He might be able to clear the field.” 

“He’s got money he can roll over. He’s got personal wealth, he’s got good numbers, he’s solid with the right side of the electorate, which is what really matters,” he added. 

President Trump tapped Mullin to replace Kristi Noem as DHS secretary last week, setting off a scramble to replace the senator in The Sooner State.

Once Mullin leaves his post, Oklahoma Gov. Kevin Stitt (R) will have 30 days to appoint a Republican to temporarily fill the seat. The appointee, who must pledge not to run for a full term this fall, will be replaced by the winner of the general election in November.

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