With U.S. Sen. Markwayne Mullin (R-OK) awaiting pending confirmation of his appointment as U.S. secretary of the Department of Homeland Security, U.S. Rep. Kevin Hern (R-OK1) broke the seal today on what will likely be a crowded Republican field in an open primary for the Senate seat. Hern had previously indicated he would run for reelection, but official candidate filing is not until April.
The former astronautical engineering student-turned McDonald’s franchisee and congressman is the first to launch a Republican campaign for one of the two highest legislative offices representing the state.
“I’ve always been America First, because America is the only country in the world where a kid like me who grew up dirt poor and worked his way out of poverty (can) build a business and earn your trust to serve Oklahomans,” Hern said in a video on his new campaign website. “But the American dream is under threat by the radical left and RINO Republicans who oppose President (Donald) Trump’s America First agenda and want to turn the United States into a third world country. That’s why I’m running for U.S. Senate: to ensure that President Trump has a loyal ally.”
Hern has spent eight years representing Oklahoma’s 1st Congressional District, which contains the Tulsa metropolitan area, and has been a powerful player in Congress the past few years. While he entered the House known as the “McCongressman” for owning several McDonald’s franchises, he has since sold his burger joints and made a short run for the speaker’s gavel in October 2023.
Much like when he entered politics in the 2018 race to succeed former U.S. Rep. Jim Bridenstine, Hern will likely face a crowded primary field for the U.S. Senate seat with U.S. Reps. Stephanie Bice (R-OK5) and Josh Brecheen (R-OK2) both reportedly considering their own campaigns. Gov. Kevin Stitt, who is term-limited this year, could also enter the race. Sen. Dusty Deevers (R-Elgin), a member of the Oklahoma Freedom Caucus, has also expressed interest in the seat.
“I am currently running for reelection to the State Senate. But I commit to pray alongside you and explore options given today’s events,” Deevers tweeted on March 5.
A potential dark horse in the Senate race could also be whomever Stitt appoints to the seat. While state law requires the appointee to sign an oath not to run for the full term, its enforceability has been questioned by lawyers. If a well-known or independently wealthy candidate is appointed to the seat — like oilman Harold Hamm, who has reportedly called both Stitt and President Donald Trump to lobby for the appointment — then they could challenge the requirement and try to join the primary.
Hern’s departure leaves open congressional district
Several Tulsa-area Republicans have expressed interest in, or ruled out, a campaign for Hern’s congressional seat. While both Tulsa County District Attorney Steve Kunzweiler and Lt. Gov. Matt Pinnell said they would not run for the open seat, Tulsa County Sheriff Vic Regalado was quick to express his interest in the seat last week.
The Tulsa World reported Insurance Commissioner Glen Mulready and Rep. Mark Tedford (R-Tulsa) had confirmed their interest in the office, while Oklahoma Corporation Commissioner Kim David and former Sen. Nathan Dahm were also considering campaigns. Mulready announced today on Facebook he is not seeking the open congressional seat.
Republicans have held the district since Rep. James Jones, a Democrat, left office after the 1986 election, and the Republican nominee will be the favorite in November. Oklahoma’s 1st Congressional District has a partisan voter index of R+11, according to the Cook Political Report, which requires a successful Democratic nominee to exceed expectations by double digits.
Two Democrats, Tulsa Public Schools Board member John Croisant and nonprofit director Erica Watkins, have also announced their campaigns for the congressional district. Ryan Parschauer, who runs the YouTube Channel ReConsider Church, has filed as an independent candidate with the Federal Elections Commission.
Watch U.S. Rep. Kevin Hern’s Senate campaign announcement video
Today I’m announcing my campaign for the United States Senate.
I grew up on an Air Force base, worked my way through school, built businesses, and served Oklahoma in Congress.
Now I’m ready to fight for Oklahoma in the Senate.
Watch my launch video! pic.twitter.com/lGBsRpVTvs
— Kevin Hern (@krhern) March 11, 2026
