Rep. Kevin Hern (R-OK) announced on Wednesday that he will run for U.S. Senate in Oklahoma to fill Sen. Markwayne Mullin’s seat. “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,” Hern said. “Now I’m ready to fight for Oklahoma in the Senate,” he added. Watch his 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 NBC News shared further: Should Mullin be confirmed, Oklahoma Gov. Kevin Stitt will appoint someone to finish his term, which ends in January 2027. According to state law, the person who temporarily fills the seat must sign an affidavit vowing not to run for a full term. This means that Hern is removing himself from Stitt’s pool of temporary replacement options and is instead vying to be the full-term senator from Oklahoma. Hern is the first candidate to officially enter the race since the news of Mullin’s nomination. He has served in Congress since 2018 and is chairman of the House Republican Policy Committee. Hern also serves on the House Ways and Means Committee. Before serving in Congress, he owned McDonald’s franchises and several other businesses. According to prior reports, Stitt is considering five candidates to temporarily fill Mullin’s seat until his term ends. The candidates include: Nathan Dahm David Ostrowe John O’Connor Dustin Hilliary Harold Hamm Oklahoma Governor Reportedly Considering Five Candidates To Replace Sen. Markwayne Mullin Axios noted: Per House rules, Hern has to step down from his leadership role, opening up a coveted slot in the conference. Rep. Jay Obernolte (R-Calif.) launched his bid Wednesday for Hern's leadership post in a letter to colleagues, his office told Axios. No other Republicans have formally announced campaigns for the job.