2026 United States Senate election in Oklahoma
November 3, 2026
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The 2026 United States Senate election in Oklahoma will be held on November 3, 2026, to elect a member of the U.S. Senate to represent the state of Oklahoma. The seat was previously held by Jim Inhofe, who won his last term in 2020. Incumbent senator Markwayne Mullin, who was first elected in the 2022 special election to finish the remaining years of Inhofe's term, has announced that he will seek his first full term in office. Primary elections will be held on June 16, 2026.
In March 2026, President Donald Trump announced that Mullin will be his next nominee for secretary of homeland security, making his re-election plans unclear. U.S. representative Kevin Hern has announced a run for the seat.
Background
United States Senate elections in Oklahoma are scheduled to be held on November 3, 2026, to elect a member of the U.S. Senate to represent the state of Oklahoma. Primary elections are scheduled for June 16 with a potential runoff election set for August 25 if no candidate receives over 50 percent of the vote in June. The candidate filing deadline is April 3.[1]
In 2022, Markwayne Mullin won a special election to finish the term of retiring Senator Jim Inhofe.[2] After Donald Trump won the 2024 United States presidential election, Mullin was rumored as a contender for secretary of the interior.[3] Mullin's resignation would have affected the gubernatorial election, as governor Kevin Stitt would have appointed a replacement who must sign a potentially unenforceable[a] oath promising not to run for reelection in 2026.[4] Mullin was not appointed secretary of interior.[5] However, in March 2026, Mullin was named as Trump's pick to replace secretary of homeland security Kristi Noem.[6]
Interim appointment
Should Mullin be confirmed as secretary of homeland security and resign as senator, governor Kevin Stitt would have 30 days to appoint an interim senator. Stitt said he would appoint someone to serve the remainder of Inhofe's term until January 3, 2027, though state law provides the appointee would only serve until the Oklahoma State Election Board certified the November election.[7] The interim appointee must have been a registered Republican for the past 5 years,[8] and they would have to sign an oath stating that they will not run for the 2026 election.[9] 2026 gubernatorial candidates Gentner Drummond, Charles McCall, and Chip Keating indicated they would continue their campaigns for governor and decline the appointment if offered.[7] Stitt told speaker of the House Mike Johnson that he would not appoint a member of Oklahoma's congressional delegation.[10] Businessman Dustin Hilliary was reported as being on a shortlist, but withdrew himself from consideration for the appointment.[11]
Interim appointment candidates
Shortlist
- Harold Hamm, political donor and founder of Continental Resources[7][12]
Potential
- Nathan Dahm, former chair of the Oklahoma Republican Party (2023–2025) and former state senator from the 33rd district (2012–2024)[13]
- Alex Gray, CEO and co-founder of American Global Strategies[7][12]
- Donnelle Harder, chief of staff to governor Kevin Stitt[7][12]
- John M. O'Connor, former attorney general of Oklahoma (2021–2023)[12]
- David Ostrowe, chief operating officer to governor Kevin Stitt[13]
- Matt Pinnell, lieutenant governor of Oklahoma (2019–present)[7][12]
- R. Trent Shores, former U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Oklahoma (2017–2021)[14]
Republican primary
Candidates
In late 2024, incumbent Markwayne Mullin was rumored as a potential appointee in a second Trump administration, triggering speculation on which Republicans could run for a hypothetical open Senate seat in 2026.[4] On March 5, 2026, Trump announced that Mullin would replace Homeland Security secretary Kristi Noem at the end of the month, leaving the seat open if he is successfully confirmed by the Senate.
Declared
- Nick Hankins, candidate for Oklahoma's 4th congressional district in 2024[15]
- Kevin Hern, U.S. representative for Oklahoma's 1st congressional district (2018–present)[16]
- Ron Meinhardt, executive director of Entering Wedge Media[15]
- Tammy Swearengin, tax accountant and financial advisor[15]
- Wayne Lonny Washington, chairman of the Washington Brown Foundation[15]
Publicly expressed interest
- Dusty Deevers, state senator from the 32nd district (2023–present) (currently running for re-election)[15]
Potential
- Nathan Dahm, former chair of the Oklahoma Republican Party (2023–2025), former state senator from the 33rd district (2012–2024), candidate for Oklahoma’s 1st congressional district in 2010 and 2018, and candidate for U.S. Senate in 2022[17]
- David Holt, mayor of Oklahoma City (2018–present)[18]
- Jackson Lahmeyer, candidate for U.S. Senate in 2022[19]
- T. W. Shannon, former speaker of the Oklahoma House of Representatives (2013–2014) from the 62nd district (2007–2015) and candidate for U.S. Senate in 2014 and 2022 (currently running for lieutenant governor)[15]
- Ryan Walters, former Oklahoma superintendent of public instruction (2023–2025)[15]
Withdrawn
- Markwayne Mullin, incumbent senator (2023–present)[20][b]
Declined
- Kevin Stitt, governor of Oklahoma (2019–present)[21]
- Stephanie Bice, U.S. representative for Oklahoma's 5th congressional district (2021–present) (running for re-election)[22]
- Josh Brecheen, U.S. representative for Oklahoma's 2nd congressional district (2023–present) (running for re-election; endorsed Hern)[23][24]
- G.T. Bynum, former mayor of Tulsa (2016–2024)[17][25]
- Tom Cole, U.S. representative for Oklahoma's 4th congressional district (2003–present) (running for re-election)[23]
- Gentner Drummond, attorney general of Oklahoma (2023–present) (running for governor)[7]
- Frank Lucas, U.S. representative for Oklahoma's 3rd congressional district (2003–present) (running for re-election)[7]
- Kyle Hilbert, speaker of the Oklahoma House of Representatives (2025–present) from the 29th district (2016–present)[21]
- Chip Keating, former Oklahoma secretary of public safety (2019–2020) and son of former governor Frank Keating (running for governor)[7]
- Mike Mazzei, former state senator from the 25th district (2004–2016) (running for governor)[26]
- Charles McCall, former speaker of the Oklahoma House of Representatives (2017–2025) from the 22nd district (2013–2024) (running for governor)[7]
- Lonnie Paxton, president pro tempore of the Oklahoma Senate (2025–present) from the 23rd district (2016–present)[21]
- Matt Pinnell, lieutenant governor of Oklahoma (2019–present)[27][28]
Endorsements
- Executive branch officials
- Donald Trump, president of the United States (2017–2021, 2025–present)[29] (previously endorsed Mullin)[30]
- U.S. senators
- Jim Banks, Indiana (2025–present)[27]
- Bill Hagerty, Tennessee (2021–present)[31]
- Ron Johnson, Wisconsin (2011–present)[31]
- James Lankford, Oklahoma (2015–present)[32] (previously declined to endorse)[33]
- Rick Scott, Florida (2019–present)[31]
- Tim Scott, United States Senator from South Carolina (2013–present), Chair of the National Republican Senatorial Committee (2025–present), Chair of the Senate Banking Committee (2025–present)[34]
- John Thune, Senate Majority Leader (2025–present), United States Senator from South Dakota (2005–present), Leader of the Senate Republican Conference (2025–present)[34]
- U.S. representatives
- Josh Brecheen, OK-02 (2023–present)[24]
- Organizations
- Executive branch officials
Donald Trump, president of the United States (2017–2021, 2025–present)[30] (later endorsed Hern)[29]
- Organizations
- U.S. senators
James Lankford, Oklahoma (2015–present)[33] (later endorsed Hern)[32]
Polling
Fundraising
| Campaign finance reports as of December 31, 2025 | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Candidate | Raised | Spent | Cash on hand |
| Kevin Hern (R) | $1,895,468 | $820,291 | $2,223,843 |
| Source: Federal Election Commission[38] | |||
Democratic primary
Candidates
Declared
Fundraising
| Campaign finance reports as of December 31, 2025 | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Candidate | Raised | Spent | Cash on hand |
| Troy Green (D) | $10,727 | $3,211 | $7,516 |
| N’Kiyla “Jasmine” Thomas (D) | $19,427 | $17,729 | $2,634 |
| Source: Federal Election Commission[38] | |||
General election
Predictions
| Source | Ranking | As of |
|---|---|---|
| Inside Elections[42] | Solid R | August 12, 2025 |
| The Cook Political Report[43] | Solid R | October 14, 2025 |
| Sabato's Crystal Ball[44] | Safe R | August 12, 2025 |
| Race To The WH[45] | Safe R | September 4, 2025 |
Notes
- ^ While state law requires the appointee to sign an oath promising not to run for the following term, federal law may prevent its enforcement. The oath could lead to litigation if an appointee challenges the law.[4]
- ^ Mullin was nominated by President Donald Trump to serve as Secretary of Homeland Security following the dismissal of Kristi Noem on March 5, 2026, and is expected to withdraw from the race and resign to take office upon his confirmation by the U.S. Senate.
- ^ Key:
A – all adults
RV – registered voters
LV – likely voters
V – unclear
Partisan clients
- ^ Poll sponsored by Club for Growth
References
- ^ "United States Senate election in Oklahoma, 2026". ballotpedia.org. Ballotpedia. Retrieved November 12, 2024.
- ^ Casteel, Chris (November 8, 2022). "Markwayne Mullin defeats Kendra Horn in Oklahoma US Senate race". The Oklahoman. Retrieved March 8, 2026.
- ^ Liese, Sarah; Hallum, Katie (November 12, 2024). "Oklahoma Sen. Markwayne Mullin reportedly in running for Trump cabinet post". KGOU. Retrieved November 12, 2024.
- ^ a b c Savage, Tres; Brinkman, Bennett (November 12, 2024). "Domino scenarios: Sen. Markwayne Mullin Cabinet rumor spurs speculation". NonDoc. Retrieved November 12, 2024.
- ^ Wahpekeche, Dacoda (November 15, 2024). "Sen. Markwayne Mullin talks possibly being in Donald Trump's Cabinet". KOCO. Retrieved November 16, 2024.
- ^ "Noem out, Trump picks Mullin as DHS secretary". POLITICO. March 5, 2026. Retrieved March 7, 2026.
- ^ a b c d e f g h i j Aston, Alexia; Guinnip, Maria (March 7, 2026). "These names are floating around as Markwayne Mullin's Senate replacement". The Oklahoman. Retrieved March 7, 2026.
- ^ "Appointment of Mullin shakes up 2026 Oklahoma elections". KGOU NPR. Retrieved March 8, 2026.
- ^ Ramos, Lionel (March 5, 2026). "Markwayne Mullin tapped to lead Homeland Security. Here's what happens to his Senate seat". KOSU. Retrieved March 8, 2026.
- ^ Santaliz, Kate (March 11, 2026). "Hern Senate bid sparks House GOP leadership scramble". Axios. Retrieved March 11, 2026.
- ^ Eagleson, Kevin (March 19, 2026). "Stitt appoints Dustin Hilliary to the OU Board of Regents". NonDoc. Retrieved March 19, 2026.
- ^ a b c d e Gorman, Reese; Luetkemeyer, Em (March 6, 2026). "Oil Tycoon and GOP Donor Harold Hamm Asked Oklahoma Gov. Kevin Stitt for Senate Appointment". NOTUS. Retrieved March 7, 2026.
- ^ a b Hetrick, Haley; Mitchell, Scott; Dowers, Graham (March 8, 2026). "Who will be Oklahoma's next US Senator? Governor's top picks". KOTV-DT. Retrieved March 8, 2026.
- ^ Krehbiel, Randy (March 19, 2026). "Possible U.S. Senate caretaker appointed to OU regents instead". Tulsa World. Retrieved March 19, 2026.
- ^ a b c d e f g "Who will Gov. Kevin Stitt appoint to replace Sen. Markwayne Mullin?". The Oklahoman. March 5, 2026. Retrieved March 5, 2026.
- ^ Fortinsky, Sarah (March 11, 2026). "Hern launches Senate bid for Mullin's Oklahoma seat". The Hill. Retrieved March 11, 2026.
- ^ a b Razor, Calen; Mccarthy, Mia (March 6, 2026). "Mullin's sudden exit shakes up the Hill agenda". POLITICO. Retrieved March 8, 2026.
- ^ "Who plans to run for Markwayne Mullin's Senate seat? Here's what we know". KFOR. Retrieved March 8, 2026.
- ^ Goforth, Dylan; Gorman, Reese (March 6, 2026). "Listen Frontier: Why would Markwayne Mullin leave the Senate?" (Podcast). The Frontier. Retrieved March 9, 2026.
- ^ "Races for the U.S. Senate and House". Oklahoma Constitution. Fall 2025. Retrieved November 29, 2025.
- ^ a b c Dennison, Anna (March 13, 2026). "Gov. Kevin Stitt says he will not run for U.S. Senate, plans to finish Governor's term". Tulsa World. Retrieved March 13, 2026.
- ^ Mueller, Julia (March 13, 2026). "Bice declines to run for Oklahoma Senate seat". The Hill. Retrieved March 13, 2026.
- ^ a b Gorman, Reese; Luetkemeyer, Em; Huiskes, Helen (March 5, 2026). "Oklahoma Republicans Are Already Eyeing Markwayne Mullin's Senate Seat". NOTUS. Retrieved March 5, 2026.
- ^ a b Hans, Christian (March 12, 2026). "U.S. Rep. Kevin Hern speaks after launching bid for Oklahoma's vacant Senate seat". News9.com. Retrieved March 12, 2026.
- ^ Metzer, Steve (March 9, 2026). "Several identified as potential temporary successors to Mullin". Tulsa World. Retrieved March 10, 2026.
Former Tulsa Mayor G.T. Bynum and current Lt. Gov. Matt Pinnell may have been considered among early contenders, but both said on social media Monday that they would not be running for the seat.
- ^ Faught, Jamison (March 7, 2026). "Mullin to DHS: who might replace him in the Senate, plus other repercussions". Muskogee Politico. Retrieved March 7, 2026.
- ^ a b Schilke, Rachel (March 5, 2026). "Stephanie Bice and Kevin Hern eye Oklahoma Senate if Mullin heads to DHS". Washington Examiner. Retrieved March 5, 2026.
- ^ Dowers, Graham (March 9, 2026). "Lt. Gov. Matt Pinnell announces he will not run for governor". KOTV-DT. Retrieved March 9, 2026.
- ^ a b Onstot, Evan (March 14, 2026). "Trump endorses Kevin Hern for Oklahoma Senate seat". KOCO. Retrieved March 14, 2026.
- ^ a b Krehbiel, Randy (May 18, 2025). "Political notebook: Strong income tax receipts keep state revenue on track". Tulsa World. Retrieved May 20, 2025.
- ^ a b c Krehbiel, Randy (March 11, 2026). "Oklahoma Congressman Kevin Hern formally announces Senate bid". Tulsa World. Retrieved March 11, 2026.
- ^ a b Talbot, Patrick (March 14, 2026). "Oklahoma Rep. Kevin Hern endorsed by Trump, lawmakers for Sen. Mullin's seat". KOCO. Retrieved March 15, 2026.
- ^ a b "Lankford on the talking filibuster – and more". Punchbowl News. Retrieved March 15, 2026.
Lankford said that he is not going to endorse in the primary. Rep. Kevin Hern (R-Okla.) is the only declared candidate, but candidates have until early April to jump in.
- ^ a b Swai, Finya (March 19, 2026). "Thune, Tim Scott endorse Hern for open Oklahoma Senate seat". Politico. Retrieved March 19, 2026.
- ^ "Club for Growth PAC Endorses Rep. Kevin Hern in OK-SEN Race". Club for Growth. Retrieved March 14, 2026.
- ^ "- AIPAC Political Portal". candidates.aipacpac.org. Retrieved April 28, 2025.
- ^ Allen, Bryon (March 10, 2026). "Recent Pulse Poll Kevin Hern would lead either Kevin Stitt or Stephanie Bice in a Republican Primary for U.S. Senate" (PDF). Pulse Decision Science. Retrieved March 11, 2026.
- ^ a b "2026 Election United States Senate - Oklahoma". fec.gov. Federal Election Commission. Retrieved April 23, 2025.
- ^ Tate, Misty (October 28, 2025). "U.S. Senate Hopeful Troy Green Signs Pledge Backing Congressional Term Limits". Cleveland American. Retrieved October 30, 2025.
- ^ Dowers, Graham (January 17, 2026). "Democrat Jim Priest enters U.S. Senate race against Mullin". News 9. Retrieved January 17, 2026.
- ^ Fields, Lace (July 25, 2025). "Democratic U.S. Senate candidate makes stop in McAlester". McAlester News-Capital. Retrieved October 30, 2025.
- ^ "Senate Ratings". Inside Elections. Retrieved January 14, 2025.
- ^ "2026 CPR Senate Race Ratings". Cook Political Report. Retrieved February 11, 2025.
- ^ "2026 Senate ratings". Sabato's Crystal Ball. Retrieved February 13, 2025.
- ^ "2026 Senate Forecast". Race to the WH. Retrieved March 19, 2025.
External links
Official campaign websites