Oklahoma Kicks Off Competitive Primaries for Senate and Governor

WHO:

ABC News Politics - U.S. Rep. Kevin Hern of Oklahoma is a candidate for the Republican nomination for the Senate seat.

ABC News US - U.S. Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin previously held the Senate seat.

WHAT:

ABC News Politics - Oklahoma is beginning the process of selecting a new U.S. senator and governor through competitive primaries.

ABC News US - The primaries are described as crowded, indicating multiple candidates are vying for the nominations.

WHERE:

ABC News Politics - The events are taking place in Oklahoma.

WHEN:

ABC News Politics - The primaries are set to occur on June 25, 2026.

WHY:

ABC News Politics - The primaries are necessary to fill the Senate seat left vacant by Markwayne Mullin's transition to a cabinet position.

HOW:

ABC News US - The selection process involves competitive primaries where candidates campaign for their party's nomination.

(UPDATED June 16, 2026 08:54 UTC)

Oklahoma is gearing up for competitive primaries to select a new U.S. senator and governor, with multiple candidates vying for the nominations. U.S. Rep. Kevin Hern has announced his candidacy for the Republican nomination for the Senate seat, which was previously held by Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin. These crucial primaries are scheduled to take place on June 25, 2026, to fill the Senate seat left vacant by Mullin's transition to a cabinet position.