Controversial MAGA Senator clears first hurdle to becoming next DHS chief

Report says Mullin's nomination advanced in Senate procedural vote

Mar. 22, 2026 at 7:36pm

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A controversial Republican Senator has cleared an initial hurdle to becoming the next Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security, according to a new report. The Senate voted 53-47 to advance Sen. Markwayne Mullin's nomination, signaling he has enough support to be confirmed as the next DHS chief.

Why it matters

Mullin's nomination has been contentious, with the former MMA fighter facing tough questioning from Sen. Rand Paul over his past comments supporting an attacker who injured Paul. The vote also comes as Democrats refuse to support a bill to reopen part of DHS that has been shut down for over a month, disrupting TSA operations and causing security lines to grow at airports.

The details

Bloomberg reported that the Senate voted to advance Mullin's nomination in a procedural vote, which appears to signal he has enough support to be confirmed as the next DHS Secretary. This comes just days after a contentious hearing where Mullin was confronted by Sen. Rand Paul over his past comments.

  • The Senate vote happened on Sunday, March 22, 2026.
  • The contentious hearing in the Senate Homeland Security Committee took place just a few days prior to the vote.

The players

Sen. Markwayne Mullin

A controversial Republican Senator from Oklahoma who has been nominated to become the next Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security.

Sen. Rand Paul

A Republican Senator from Kentucky who confronted Mullin during his confirmation hearing over his past comments supporting an attacker who injured Paul.

President Donald Trump

The former President who has threatened to deploy ICE agents to airports to address growing security lines caused by the DHS shutdown.

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What they’re saying

“We must not let individuals continue to damage private property in San Francisco.”

— Robert Jenkins, San Francisco resident

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

This case highlights growing concerns in the community about repeat offenders released on bail, raising questions about bail reform, public safety on SF streets, and if any special laws to govern autonomous vehicles in residential and commercial areas.