Kevin Hern announces Oklahoma Senate run

Congressman to seek Markwayne Mullin's open Senate seat

Published on Mar. 11, 2026

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Rep. Kevin Hern, a Republican from Oklahoma, has announced that he is running for the U.S. Senate in Oklahoma. Hern made the announcement on Wednesday, stating he will be seeking the seat being vacated by Sen. Markwayne Mullin, who is not running for re-election.

Why it matters

Hern's entry into the race sets up a potentially competitive Republican primary to determine who will succeed Mullin in the Senate. As a sitting Congressman, Hern brings name recognition and fundraising ability to the race, but will face other high-profile GOP candidates.

The details

Hern, who has represented Oklahoma's 1st Congressional District since 2019, announced his Senate campaign through a video posted to social media. In the video, Hern touted his conservative credentials and vowed to fight against the Biden administration's policies if elected to the Senate.

  • Hern announced his Senate campaign on Wednesday, March 11, 2026.

The players

Kevin Hern

A Republican Congressman representing Oklahoma's 1st Congressional District since 2019, who is now running for the U.S. Senate.

Markwayne Mullin

The current U.S. Senator from Oklahoma who is not running for re-election, creating an open Senate seat that Hern is seeking to fill.

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What they’re saying

“I'm running for the United States Senate to fight for the conservative values that Oklahomans hold dear.”

— Kevin Hern (spotonoklahoma.com)

What’s next

Hern will now begin campaigning for the Republican nomination, which will likely feature a crowded field of candidates vying to succeed Mullin in the Senate.

The takeaway

Hern's entry into the Oklahoma Senate race sets up a potentially competitive Republican primary as the party looks to retain control of the seat being vacated by Mullin. Hern's congressional experience and conservative credentials could make him a formidable candidate, but he will face challenges from other high-profile GOP hopefuls.