Oklahoma
Markwayne Mullin’s confirmation hearing: what it means for Oklahoma and Senate race
WASHINGTON, D.C. (KOKH) — Oklahoma Sen. Markwayne Mullin faced lawmakers Wednesday in a high-stakes confirmation hearing to become the next Secretary of Homeland Security, a move that could dramatically reshape Oklahoma’s political landscape ahead of the 2026 election.
Mullin, a Republican first elected to the Senate in 2022, appeared before the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee as President Donald Trump’s nominee to replace outgoing DHS Secretary Kristi Noem.
The hearing marks a pivotal moment not only for national security leadership but also for Oklahoma politics, where Mullin’s potential departure from the Senate would trigger a chain reaction in an already active election cycle.
If confirmed by the full Senate, Mullin would be required to resign his Senate seat under the Constitution’s prohibition on holding both legislative and executive offices simultaneously.
A Contentious Confirmation
Mullin entered Wednesday’s hearing with strong backing from Republicans and at least limited bipartisan openness. While most Democrats have expressed skepticism, Sen. John Fetterman (D-Pa.) has publicly supported the nomination, highlighting Mullin’s alignment on border security issues.
Mullin was introduced in the confirmation hearing by fellow Oklahoma Senator James Lankford in a sentimental moment where Sen. Lankford reflected on their first meeting.
Mullin, however, was grilled by fellow Republican and Committee Chairman Sen. Rand Paul (R-Kentucky) during the hearing, especially on the topic of violence.
Mullin was also questioned by Sen. Andy Kim (D-New Jersey) about FEMA and disaster responses, pressing Mullin on whether he wanted to do away with FEMA entirely like Noem had previously hinted.
Mullin responded, saying he believes FEMA should be reformed, not dissolved entirely.
WATCH THE FULL CONFIRMATION HEARING HERE:
What Happens to Mullin’s Senate Seat?
Mullin’s confirmation would immediately create a vacancy in Oklahoma’s U.S. Senate delegation and place significant power in the hands of Gov. Kevin Stitt.
Under Oklahoma law, the governor would appoint a temporary replacement to serve until voters select a new senator in the November general election.
However, that appointee would face a major limitation: they would be barred from running in the upcoming election, a rule designed to prevent incumbency advantages.
The appointment would be short-lived regardless. Because the seat is already scheduled to be on the ballot in 2026, the November winner would quickly replace the interim senator and serve the remainder of the term.
A Senate Race Already Taking Shape
Even before Mullin’s confirmation is finalized, the race to succeed him is beginning to take shape.
Oklahoma Rep. Kevin Hern has already launched a campaign for the seat, signaling what is expected to be a competitive Republican primary.
On the Democratic side, several candidates have entered the race, though Republicans remain heavily favored in the deeply conservative state.
The filing period for candidates begins April 1, meaning the political field could solidify quickly following any Senate confirmation vote.
Who Might the Governor Appoint?
Governor Stitt has not indicated a specific choice for a temporary replacement, but he has signaled he will prioritize a “strong, small-government conservative.”
There are also notable constraints shaping his decision. Reports indicate Stitt may avoid appointing current members of Oklahoma’s congressional delegation, and some high-profile state leaders have already said they would decline the role if offered.
Because the appointee cannot run in November, the position is likely to go to a trusted Republican figure willing to serve briefly rather than a rising political candidate.
Oklahoma
Woman hospitalized after house fire in northeast Oklahoma City
OKLAHOMA CITY (KOKH) — Authorities say one woman was taken to the hospital following an early morning house fire in northeast Oklahoma City.
Around 5 a.m. on Wednesday, Oklahoma City firefighters were called to a house fire near N.E. 13th St. and Missouri.
When crews arrived, they found the victim on the front porch of the home.
“When they got off the rig and initiated offensive fire attack, found one victim on the front porch. Appeared she was maybe suffering from smoke inhalation. The fire was relatively small. It was contained to one bedroom in the back. The patient was transported, was treated here, and then transported to OU,” said Batt. Chief Brad Smith, with the Oklahoma City Fire Department.
Officials said the fire originated in the back of the house, in a back bedroom near the closet.
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However, the cause of the fire is still under investigation.
Oklahoma
Bode Sparrow commits Friday: why BYU is Oklahoma’s biggest threat for the Davis star
Kaysville (Utah) Davis athlete Bode Sparrow cut his list to four back in May and has now locked in his commitment date.
Sparrow is a tremendous player on both sides of the ball and checks in as the No. 77 player nationally in the Rivals Industry Ranking, an equally weighted average that utilizes all three major recruiting services.
He will make his long awaited college choice this Friday, May 25 from a final four of BYU, Oklahoma, Oregon and Utah.
In handicapping this race, two schools jump out for us. The first is Oklahoma. I put a commit prediction in for the Sooners back in March and there was some buzz that he could commit around that time.
Sparrow decided to hold off making an early decision in order to take his official visits. Oklahoma was the first visit locked in and for awhile, the only visit that was set, giving even more credence to the Sooners being the team to beat.
“They really believe in me and have a vision for me there,” Sparrow told us after his official visit. “They show me so much love and I have such great relationships with the coaches there.
“I also really like the town of Norman and the plan in place for me from a safety/scheme standpoint. They really have everything I’m looking for in a school. Brent Venables is great, a defensive minded head coach and I just love the all around fit.”
Sparrow followed up his visit to OU with trips to Oregon, Utah and BYU. The Ducks made a big impression and should be considered a dark horse. They are easily one of the toughest schools to recruit against and it would surprise no one if Sparrow ends in Eugene.
Saying that, the school that is gaining a lot of momentum and looks to be Oklahoma’s biggest challenger is BYU. For months we talked to some close to Sparrow, college coaches and trainers who all said the same thing, ‘don’t rule out BYU in the end.’
No one has recruited Sparrow longer than the Cougs. He has been on campus more than any other school, he’s strong in his LDS faith and he has a great connection with the BYU staff including head coach Kalani Sitake.
BYU was able to get the final visit over the weekend and there is some quiet confidence in Provo as well as from a few other recruits/commits who were also on the visit. With the church connection, we’ve long said in a head to head battle, BYU is very tough to beat, especially for an in-state player.
Saying that, there are still Sooner commits we’ve talked to convinced Sparrow is still headed to Norman. That’s why this recruitment has become one of the more fascinating ones to follow this cycle, it’s one of those rare instances where days away from a decision, it could still go in multiple directions.
For now, my commit prediction remains on Oklahoma but BYU is closing fast and this one close to a toss up with a decision quickly approaching.
Oklahoma
OHP remembers K-9 for protecting countless lives during career
OKLAHOMA CITY (KOKH) — Officials with the Oklahoma Highway Patrol are remembering a dedicated K-9 officer who passed away earlier this month.
K-9 Dak was born in 2014 and began serving with the OHP in 2015.
Throughout his distinguished career, officials say Dak’s exceptional instincts made a significant impact on public safety across the state.
During his career, Dak was instrumental in the seizure of over 2,000 pounds of marijuana, 46 pounds of cocaine, 151 pounds of methamphetamine, and 99 pounds of fentanyl.
“These remarkable accomplishments represent countless lives protected and communities made safer through Dak’s service,” OHP wrote.
Dak worked his final shift on June 3 before peacefully passing away from natural causes on June 7.
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“More than his statistics and accomplishments, Dak was a loyal partner, trusted teammate, and beloved member of the Oklahoma Highway Patrol. His legacy will live on through the work he accomplished, the bond he shared with his handler, and the many lives he touched throughout his career,” OHP said.
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