Former President Trump has endorsed Rep. Kevin Hern (R-Okla.) to succeed Sen. Markwayne Mullin (R-Okla.) in the Senate, making his preference clear just days after Hern officially launched his campaign for the seat.
Trump announced his support in a Truth Social post on Friday, calling Hern a 'true friend of MAGA' and highlighting his role as Chair of the House Republican Policy Committee. 'Kevin Hern will be an outstanding Senator, and has my Complete and Total Endorsement — HE WILL NEVER LET YOU DOWN!' Trump wrote.
Hern became the first candidate to formally announce his campaign for Mullin's seat on Wednesday, stating in a launch video that he wanted to ensure Trump 'has a loyal ally' in the upper chamber. He thanked Trump for the endorsement on social platform X, saying he was 'proud to stand with him' to secure borders, strengthen the economy, and support military families.
What the Left Is Saying
Democrats have not yet entered the race for Mullin's seat, which has traditionally been held by Republicans. Oklahoma's 2nd Congressional District, which Hern currently represents, has not elected a Democrat to Congress since the 1970s. The seat is expected to remain in Republican hands regardless of the primary outcome.
Progressive commentators have noted that Trump's rapid succession of endorsements in early 2026 reflects a strategy to consolidate MAGA-aligned candidates ahead of competitive primaries. Some progressive voices have questioned whether the former president's endorsements will prove as decisive as in previous election cycles, particularly in races where establishment Republicans face conservative primary challengers.
What the Right Is Saying
Trump's endorsement positioned Hern as the clear front-runner in the Republican primary. The former president's Truth Social post emphasized Hern's support from 'the fiercest MAGA Warriors in Oklahoma' and praised his work advancing the AMERICA FIRST Agenda in the House.
Hern echoed Trump's messaging in his response, promising to be 'an ally for him in the Senate' and highlighting his commitment to border security, economic strength, and support for military personnel. His campaign has emphasized his legislative experience and policy committee leadership as qualifications for the Senate seat.
Oklahoma Rep. Stephanie Bice (R), who had considered entering the race, announced Friday she would not run and instead seek re-election to the House. Trump subsequently endorsed Bice for her own seat, praising her as an 'America First Congresswoman' who has 'benefited greatly from our Republican House Majority.'
What the Numbers Show
Oklahoma's primary election is scheduled for June 16, 2026. Candidate filing for federal offices opens April 1-3, according to the State Election Board.
Mullin's Senate seat will not be permanently filled until after the November election. Oklahoma law allows Gov. Kevin Stitt (R) to appoint a temporary Republican to serve until then, though that appointee is barred from running for the seat in the next election.
Republicans currently hold a slim majority in the Senate. Mullin's departure and replacement will not change that dynamic, as his successor will be a Republican.
Hern was first elected to the House in 2018 and represents Oklahoma's 1st Congressional District, not the district he would represent in the Senate. Mullin was first elected to the Senate in 2022 after serving four terms in the House.
The Bottom Line
Trump's early endorsement of Hern signals his attempt to clear the Republican field in what would be Oklahoma's second Senate seat. The former president's support gives Hern significant momentum heading into the primary, though other Republicans could still enter the race before the April filing deadline.
The eventual winner will face a Democratic opponent in November, though Oklahoma's deep red political landscape makes the general election outcome highly predictable. The real contest will be the June Republican primary, where Trump's endorsement carries substantial weight but is not always determinative.
Democrats have an opportunity to contest the seat, though historical voting patterns in Oklahoma suggest the party faces significant obstacles in a statewide race. The outcome will not affect Senate balance of power, as the seat will remain Republican regardless of who wins the primary.