Hern Announces Oklahoma Senate Bid

Representative Kevin Hern (R-Okla.) announced his candidacy on Wednesday for the open U.S. Senate seat in Oklahoma, following Senator Markwayne Mullin's nomination by President Donald Trump to lead the Department of Homeland Security. Hern, who chairs the Republican Policy Committee, is the first prominent Republican to enter the race for the seat, which is on the ballot this year. Oklahoma Governor Kevin Stitt will appoint a temporary replacement for Mullin, who must pledge not to seek a full term.

Hern's campaign emphasizes alignment with Trump's "America First" agenda and has secured endorsements from Senators Rick Scott (R-Fla.), Jim Banks (R-Ind.), and Ron Johnson (R-Wis.). First elected in 2018, Hern represents Oklahoma's 1st Congressional District. The filing deadline for the seat is April 3, with the primary election scheduled for June 16.