Hern Senate Bid Creates House GOP Vacancy

Representative Kevin Hern (R-Okla.) announced his candidacy for the U.S. Senate on Wednesday, March 11, creating a vacancy in the House Republican leadership. Hern, who chairs the Republican Policy Committee, is seeking the Oklahoma Senate seat that will become open following President Trump's nomination of Senator Markwayne Mullin (R-Okla.) as Homeland Security Secretary. House rules require Hern to step down from his leadership position due to his Senate bid.

Following Hern's announcement, Representative Jay Obernolte (R-Calif.) launched his campaign for the Republican Policy Committee chairmanship on Wednesday. No other Republicans have formally declared their candidacy for the position. Oklahoma Governor Kevin Stitt will appoint an individual to serve the remainder of Mullin's Senate term, which concludes in January 2027. The appointee is legally required to pledge against running in the subsequent election. Governor Stitt has assured House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) that he will not appoint a sitting House member, aiming to avoid further reducing the Republican majority in the House.