Plumber-Turned-Politician Brings 'Blue-Collar Horse Sense' to Washington

Columnist argues Markwayne Mullin's real-world experience is an asset, not a liability, in Congress and now as DHS Secretary.

Apr. 2, 2026 at 9:19pm

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A photorealistic painting of a worn, weathered plumber's toolbox sitting on a wooden workbench, bathed in warm, golden light streaming in from a window. The scene has a quiet, contemplative mood, capturing the pragmatic spirit of hands-on work.The practical, problem-solving sensibility of blue-collar tradespeople like plumbers may be an asset in the halls of power.Stilwell Today

In a recent column, Tom Purcell defends Markwayne Mullin, the former plumber and small business owner who is now serving as Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security. Purcell argues that Mullin's blue-collar background and practical problem-solving skills are exactly the kind of 'horse sense' that is needed in Washington, in contrast to the 'double-talking charlatans' that often populate political offices.

Why it matters

Purcell's column highlights the ongoing debate over the value of real-world, blue-collar experience versus traditional political credentials. As more Americans express frustration with career politicians, there is a growing appreciation for leaders who have built businesses, fixed problems, and understand the daily challenges faced by working-class Americans.

The details

Purcell praises Mullin's background, noting how he dropped out of college at 20 to take over his family's struggling plumbing business, turning it into a successful regional company. Mullin then co-founded a popular local steakhouse before running for Congress, where he built a reputation as a no-nonsense problem-solver focused on small business, energy, and cutting red tape. Purcell argues Mullin's approach, honed through blue-collar work, is more in line with the 'practicality of the U.S. Constitution' than the typical Washington insider.

  • Mullin took over his family's plumbing business at age 20 after dropping out of college.
  • Mullin and his wife co-founded Rowan's Steakhouse in Stilwell, Oklahoma, turning it into a local staple.
  • Mullin was elected to Congress, where he built a reputation as a pragmatic, business-focused lawmaker.
  • Mullin was recently appointed as Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security by President Trump.

The players

Markwayne Mullin

A former plumber and small business owner who is now serving as Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security, known for his practical, problem-solving approach to governance.

Jimmy Kimmel

A television host who Purcell criticizes for mocking Mullin's blue-collar background.

Tom Purcell

The author of the column defending Mullin's background and arguing it makes him well-suited for public service.

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What they’re saying

“Blue-collar sensibility is the key to our country's success.”

— Tom Purcell, Columnist

“When his father got sick, Mullin, at age 20, dropped out of college and took over the family's struggling plumbing business. He turned that small operation into a successful company that grew to become one of the largest home services firms in the region, providing good-paying jobs for hundreds of people before he and his wife sold it.”

— Tom Purcell, Columnist

What’s next

Mullin's nomination as DHS Secretary will likely face scrutiny from some lawmakers, but his pragmatic approach and real-world experience could make him a valuable asset in the role.

The takeaway

Purcell's column highlights the growing appreciation for leaders with blue-collar backgrounds and practical problem-solving skills, rather than traditional political credentials. As frustration with career politicians persists, Mullin's story suggests there may be value in bringing more 'horse sense' to Washington.