Rep. Kevin Hern (R-OK) won Tuesday’s Oklahoma Republican Senate primary, all but ensuring a November general election victory in the solidly red state.Hern, endorsed by President Donald Trump, was heavily favored to beat several GOP challengers and will face the Democratic nominee to serve in the Senate seat vacated earlier this year by now-Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin.Confirmed to his current role in March to take over for former Secretary Kristi Noem, Mullin was a first-term senator who also previously served in the House. Gov. Kevin Stitt (R-OK) tapped Sen. Alan Armstrong (R-OK), a former energy executive, to fill the vacancy, but Oklahoma law prevents the appointed Armstrong from seeking election to the office.
Since the seat is already set to appear on the ballot this year, state law also allows the November winner to take the seat immediately, meaning Hern is likely to assume office in the fall.
Rep. Kevin Hern (R-OK) speaks to reporters on Capitol Hill in Washington, Oct. 23, 2023. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon, File)
The GOP-controlled seat is one of several that are open this cycle but forecasted to remain in Republican control. They consist of Montana, Louisiana, Kentucky, Alabama, and Wyoming.
