Hern wins Mullin’s Oklahoma Senate seat

Rep. Kevin Hern (R-Okla.) is projected to win his election for Senate, according to Decision Desk HQ.

Hern, who announced his run for the seat after President Trump tapped then-Sen. Markwayne Mullin (R-Okla.) to lead the Department of Homeland Security in March, was the favorite to win in ruby-red Oklahoma. He defeated Democrat N’Kiyla Jasmine Thomas, a nurse and democratic socialist.

Hern notched endorsements from Oklahoma Gov. Kevin Stitt (R) and national Republicans, including Trump, Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-S.D.) and Oklahoma Sen. James Lankford (R).

Stitt selected Sen. Alan Armstrong (R-Okla.) to fill the remainder of Mullin’s term this spring. Oklahoma law dictates that the appointed senator cannot run for the full term.

In the House, Hern served as chair of the House Republican Policy Committee and is also a member of the Ways and Means Committee. He was sworn into the House in November 2018.

Prior to his career on Capitol Hill, Hern owned McDonald’s franchises in the state.