Story perspectives

Kevin Hern Launches Senate Bid, Backed by Trump Allies

3/15/2026

Summary

Story summary

Oklahoma Representative Kevin Hern launched a campaign for Senate seat vacated by Markwayne Mullin, appointed Homeland Security Secretary.
He is the first candidate and aligns with U.S. President Donald Trump’s America First agenda.
Hern has endorsements from several Republican senators and a campaign team linked to Trump's network.
Governor Kevin Stitt is expected to name a temporary replacement for Mullin, who must pledge not to run for full term.

History

Historical Context

In 1913, the Seventeenth Amendment established that U.S. senators would be directly elected, allowing governors to make temporary appointments until special elections. In 2019, North Carolina Governor Roy Cooper appointed a temporary senator to fill a vacancy left by Thom Tillis, reflecting ongoing trends in party alignment and electoral strategy, similar to recent developments in Oklahoma's appointment process.

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Story summary

Oklahoma Representative Kevin Hern launched a campaign for Senate seat vacated by Markwayne Mullin, appointed Homeland Security Secretary.
He is the first candidate and aligns with U.S. President Donald Trump’s America First agenda.
Hern has endorsements from several Republican senators and a campaign team linked to Trump's network.
Governor Kevin Stitt is expected to name a temporary replacement for Mullin, who must pledge not to run for full term.

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