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The race to replace Oklahoma Republican Sen. Markwayne Mullin is already taking shape after President Donald Trump announced plans to nominate him to serve as secretary of the United States Department of Homeland Security.
Two members of Oklahoma’s congressional delegation, Reps. Stephanie Bice and Kevin Hern, have indicated they are considering campaigns for the Senate seat.
Bice said Thursday on X that she is weighing a run after receiving encouragement from supporters across the state.
“President Trump has made an excellent choice. Markwayne is a great friend and a fierce advocate for the America First Agenda,” Bice wrote. “I’ve received encouragement from every corner of this great state to run for the U.S. Senate, and it’s something I’m carefully considering.”
Bice currently serves on the House Appropriations Committee and previously held leadership roles within the House Republican conference. She first won her seat in 2020 by defeating Democrat Kendra Horn in a competitive race.
Hern confirmed he is also considering entering the contest and suggested an announcement could come soon.
“Stay tuned for the announcement next week,” Hern told reporters at the Capitol, according to The Hill.
Hern chairs the House Republican Policy Committee and serves on the influential House Ways and Means Committee. A former chairman of the Republican Study Committee, Hern is also a wealthy businessman who owns several McDonald’s franchises and could help finance his own campaign.
Both lawmakers praised Mullin, who previously served in the House before winning a Senate seat in a 2022 special election.
Oklahoma Gov. Kevin Stitt will appoint a temporary replacement to fill Mullin’s Senate seat until a special election is held. Under state rules, the interim appointee will not be allowed to run in that election. The 2026 general election will determine who will serve a full six-year Senate term in Oklahoma.
