Summary
President Donald Trump has chosen Senator Markwayne Mullin to lead the Department of Homeland Security. With Mullin leaving his Senate seat, Oklahoma is set to appoint a temporary replacement, but the seat is expected to remain Republican. Democrats see a chance to win the seat despite the state's Republican-leaning history.
Key Facts
- President Trump nominated Senator Markwayne Mullin to head the Department of Homeland Security.
- If Mullin is confirmed, an Oklahoma law requires the governor to appoint a temporary replacement until the term ends in January.
- Mullin was previously planning to seek reelection in November for his Senate seat.
- Oklahoma last had a Democratic senator in 1994, and it has a history of voting Republican.
- Trump won Oklahoma in the 2024 election with 66% of the vote.
- Republicans like Representative Stephanie Bice and Frank Lucas are considering running for Mullin's seat.
- Democrats considering a run include Troy Greene, Jim Priest, and N'Kiyla Thomas.
- The filing deadline for the Senate seat is April 3, with primaries on June 16.
