Sen. Martin Heinrich (D-NM) broke with his party on Sunday to vote for advancing President Donald Trump's nominee to lead the Department of Homeland Security, a move that drew criticism from progressive leaders and activists.
Heinrich joined only Sen. John Fetterman (D-PA) in supporting Sen. Markwayne Mullin (R-OK) during a procedural vote to advance the confirmation to the final step. Mullin is expected to be confirmed by the full Senate later on Monday.
In a statement explaining his vote, Heinrich called Mullin a friend and cited their history of co-authoring legislation together, including the Tribal Buffalo Management Act and this year's Legislative Branch Appropriations bill.
This is going to surprise some people, but I consider Markwayne Mullin a friend. We have a very honest and constructive working relationship. We have authored legislation together, such as the Tribal Buffalo Management Act, and we crafted the Legislative Branch Appropriations bill together this year. We often disagree and when we do, we work to find whatever common ground we share, Heinrich said.
The New Mexico Democrat also referenced his desire for a DHS secretary who cannot be bullied into changing his views and noted he would prefer someone who does not take orders from White House adviser Stephen Miller.
I have also seen first-hand that Markwayne is not someone who can simply be bullied into changing his views, and I look forward to having a Secretary who doesn't take their orders from Stephen Miller, he said.
What the Right Is Saying
Senate Republicans largely welcomed the Democratic support for Mullin's confirmation. The Oklahoma senator's confirmation advanced with bipartisan backing, reflecting his relationships across the aisle.
Fetterman, who had publicly stated his support for Mullin prior to the procedural vote, emphasized national security concerns in his reasoning.
In January, I called on the president to fire Noem—and he did. I truly approached the confirmation of my colleague and friend, Senator Mullin, with an open-mind, Fetterman posted to X last week. We need a leader at DHS. We must reopen DHS.
My AYE is rooted in a strong committed, constructive working relationship with Senator Mullin for our nation's security, he added.
Mullin is set to succeed Secretary Kristi Noem, who was dismissed from the role in January. Republicans have argued that confirming a new DHS secretary is essential for border security and agency operations.
What the Left Is Saying
Progressive activists and some Democratic allies quickly condemned Heinrich's decision. Shannon Watts, founder emerita of Moms Demand Action, was among those who criticized the vote on social media.
Who gives a frog's fat ass if Sen Heinrich likes Mullin personally? His job is to ensure the nominees in Trump's administration are qualified. Mullin lacks experience, is combative and impulsive, and will push DHS in a more aggressive, politicized direction, Watts posted to X.
Heinrich's endorsements of other Democratic candidates also became a point of scrutiny. A spokesperson for Lt. Gov. Peggy Flanagan, whom Heinrich has backed in a competitive Senate primary, stated that she would not vote to confirm Mullin if elected.
The criticism extended to questions about Heinrich's broader progressive credentials, particularly as he has weighed into multiple Senate races by endorsing candidates including Texas State Rep. James Talarico, Maine veteran Graham Platner, and Michigan State Sen. Mallory McMorrow.
What the Numbers Show
Heinrich and Fetterman were the only two Democrats to vote for advancing Mullin's confirmation. The procedural vote passed with support from all Senate Republicans.
New Mexico is one of four states along the U.S.-Mexico border, giving Heinrich particular jurisdiction over immigration and border security policy.
Heinrich's office noted in a press release that he had previously called for Noem to be fired and did not vote for her confirmation. He has also advocated for changes to federal immigration enforcement, including calling for recognition of the necessity of judicial warrants.
The Department of Homeland Security remains largely unfunded as Democrats and Republicans negotiate a funding deal that could include changes to federal immigration enforcement. TSA has been caught in the crossfire, with hundreds of agents quitting and long lines forming at major airports nationwide.
The Bottom Line
Heinrich's vote represents a notable break from party unity at a moment when Democrats have largely opposed Trump's cabinet nominees. His personal relationship with Mullin and his stated desire for a DHS secretary independent of White House influence drove the decision.
The vote highlights ongoing divisions within the Democratic coalition on immigration and border security, particularly in border states like New Mexico. Progressives have made clear they view Mullin as unqualified and potentially harmful to civil liberties.
Mullin's final confirmation vote is expected later Monday. His tenure will begin amid unresolved funding questions and ongoing debates about the direction of federal immigration enforcement.