Bice, Hern considering Senate runs to replace Mullin

The race is on to replace Sen. Markwayne Mullin after President Trump announced he will nominate the Oklahoma Republican to replace outgoing Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Secretary Kristi Noem.

Two Oklahoma House Republicans are already eyeing runs to represent the Sooner State in the Senate: Reps. Stephanie Bice and Kevin Hern.

A source familiar with Bice’s thinking confirmed to The Hill that the third-term congresswoman is considering a run for the seat. Bice, 52, is a member of the powerful House Appropriations Committee. She was previously the sophomore class representative to the House GOP Elected Leadership Committee and the vice chair of the Republican Main Street Caucus.

Bice has shown she can run in competitive races, defeating former Rep. Kendra Horn (D) for the seat in 2020.

Hern, who was first elected to the House in 2018, confirmed Thursday he is considering a run. He holds the leadership position of chair of the House Republican Policy Committee and is a member of the powerful House Ways and Means Committee. He is a former chair of the Republican Study Committee, the largest conservative caucus in the House.

“Stay tuned for the announcement next week,” Hern teased to reporters in the Capitol.

Hern also appeared to be working the phones on Thursday. One Senate Republican, while speaking to a reporter from The Hill, pulled out a lit-up phone and quipped, “Kevin Hern from Oklahoma. … Might be interested in the job.”

Hern, 64, is a wealthy businessman and the owner of a number of McDonald’s franchises with the ability to help finance his own campaign.

Oklahoma Gov. Kevin Stitt (R) will appoint a temporary replacement to represent Oklahoma in the Senate until an election to fill the remainder of the term can be held. That person will not be able to run in that election.

Mullin was elected in a special election in 2022. This year’s 2026 general election will select a senator for a full six-year term.

Both Hern and Bice offered praise for Mullin, who was previously a member of the House.

Hern said the had known Mullin for more than 20 years and that President Trump made a “great, great choice” in selecting him to lead DHS. He added that Mullin is “a person that loves this country.”

“I’m really proud of Mark Wayne. I talked to him, he’s so excited, so he’ll do great,” Hern said.

“@SenMullin has been a tireless warrior for President Trump’s agenda and a great friend. I’m excited for him to take on the role of Secretary of @DHSgov. He will do tremendous work. He has been a great leader for Oklahoma, and I have no doubt he will continue to do the same,” Bice said in a post on X on Thursday.

Al Weaver contributed.

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