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November 3, 2026 (2026-11-03)
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| Elections in Oklahoma |
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 Government |
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. Congressman Kevin Hern is the Republican nominee. The Democratic nominee will be decided in a runoff on August 25 between attorney Jim Priest and nurse Jasmine Thomas after no candidate received a majority of the vote in the June 16 primary. Republican Alan S. Armstrong, who was appointed to the seat in March after Markwayne Mullin resigned to become secretary of homeland security, is prohibited from seeking a full term. Democrats have not won a Senate election in Oklahoma since 1990.
Background
[edit]A United States Senate election in Oklahoma is 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 was April 3.[1] If only one candidate files for a party's nomination, they are declared the nominee.[2]
The seat was originally held by Jim Inhofe, who was last elected in 2020. Two years later, in 2022, then-Congressman Markwayne Mullin won a special election to finish Inhofe's term after Inhofe had announced his resignation at the end of the 117th Congress.[3] After Donald Trump won the 2024 United States presidential election, Mullin was rumored as a contender for secretary of the interior.[4] Mullin's resignation would have affected the gubernatorial election, as governor Kevin Stitt would have appointed a replacement who must sign a potentially unenforceable[b] oath promising not to run for reelection in 2026.[5] Mullin was ultimately not nominated as the secretary of interior.[6] However, in March 2026, Mullin was named as Trump's pick to replace secretary of homeland security Kristi Noem[7] and was confirmed on March 23, 2026.[8]
Interim appointment
[edit]Mullin was confirmed as the secretary of homeland security[8] and resigned as senator on March 23, 2026. Governor Kevin Stitt was required to appoint a replacement within 30 days. He stated the appointee would serve the remainder of the current term until January 3, 2027, though state law provides that the appointment lasts only until the November election is certified by the Oklahoma State Election Board.[9] The interim appointee must have been a registered Republican for the past five years,[10] and they would have to sign an oath stating they will not run in the 2026 election.[11] On March 24, 2026, Governor Stitt announced that oil and gas executive Alan Armstrong would replace Mullin; Armstrong was sworn in by senator Chuck Grassley later that day.[12][13]
Republican primary
[edit]Candidates
[edit]On March 5, 2026, Trump announced that Mullin would replace Homeland Security secretary Kristi Noem at the end of the month. Mullin was confirmed by the Senate on March 23, 2026.[8]
Nominee
[edit]- Kevin Hern, U.S. representative for Oklahoma's 1st congressional district (2018–present)[14]
Eliminated in primary
[edit]- William Sean Buckner, Air Force veteran and former real estate broker[15][16]
- Gary Ty England, country singer[15]
- Nick Hankins, business intelligence developer and candidate for Oklahoma's 4th congressional district in 2024[16]
- Brian Ragain, retired firefighter-paramedic for the Chickasha Fire Department and registered nurse[15][16]
Withdrawn
[edit]- Ron Meinhardt, executive director of Entering Wedge Media (running as an independent)[15][16]
- Markwayne Mullin, incumbent U.S. senator (appointed U.S. secretary of homeland security)[17][8]
- Tammy Swearengin, tax accountant and financial advisor[16]
- Wayne Lonny Washington, chairman of the Washington Brown Foundation[16]
Declined
[edit]- Stephanie Bice, U.S. representative for Oklahoma's 5th congressional district (2021–present) (running for re-election)[18]
- Josh Brecheen, U.S. representative for Oklahoma's 2nd congressional district (2023–present) (running for re-election; endorsed Hern)[19][20]
- G.T. Bynum, former mayor of Tulsa (2016–2024)[21][22]
- Tom Cole, U.S. representative for Oklahoma's 4th congressional district (2003–present) (running for re-election)[19]
- Gentner Drummond, attorney general of Oklahoma (2023–present) (running for governor)[9]
- Frank Lucas, U.S. representative for Oklahoma's 3rd congressional district (2003–present) (running for re-election)[9]
- Kyle Hilbert, speaker of the Oklahoma House of Representatives (2025–present) from the 29th district (2016–present)[23]
- David Holt, mayor of Oklahoma City (2018–present) (running for re-election)[24]
- Chip Keating, former Oklahoma secretary of public safety (2019–2020) and son of former governor Frank Keating (running for governor)[9]
- Mike Mazzei, former state senator from the 25th district (2004–2016) (running for governor)[25]
- Charles McCall, former speaker of the Oklahoma House of Representatives (2017–2025) from the 22nd district (2013–2024) (running for governor)[9]
- Lonnie Paxton, president pro tempore of the Oklahoma Senate (2025–present) from the 23rd district (2016–present)[23]
- Matt Pinnell, lieutenant governor of Oklahoma (2019–present)[26][27]
- 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)[28]
- Kevin Stitt, governor of Oklahoma (2019–present)[23]
Ineligible
[edit]- Alan Armstrong, incumbent U.S. senator (2026–present)[c][29]
Endorsements
[edit]Nick Hankins
- Organizations
Kevin Hern
- Executive branch officials
- Donald Trump, president of the United States (2017–2021, 2025–present)[31] (previously endorsed Mullin)[32]
- U.S. senators
- Jim Banks, Indiana (2025–present)[26]
- Bill Hagerty, Tennessee (2021–present)[33]
- Ron Johnson, Wisconsin (2011–present)[33]
- James Lankford, Oklahoma (2015–present)[34] (previously declined to endorse)[35]
- Rick Scott, Florida (2019–present)[33]
- Tim Scott, South Carolina (2013–present)[36]
- John Thune, Senate majority leader (2025–present) from South Dakota (2005–present)[36]
- U.S. representatives
- Josh Brecheen, OK-02 (2023–present)[20]
- Organizations
- Club for Growth[37]
- Tulsa Firefighters PAC[38]
Markwayne Mullin (withdrawn)
- Executive branch officials
Donald Trump, president of the United States (2017–2021, 2025–present)[32] (later endorsed Hern)[31]
- Organizations
Declined to endorse
- U.S. senators
James Lankford, Oklahoma (2015–present)[35] (later endorsed Hern)[34]
Fundraising
[edit]| Campaign finance reports as of March 31, 2026 | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Candidate | Raised | Spent | Cash on hand |
Results
[edit]
Hern
- 40–50%
- 50–60%
- 60–70%
- 70–80%
- 80–90%
| Party | Candidate | Votes | % | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Republican | Kevin Hern | 267,222 | 69.8 | |
| Republican | Gary Ty England | 51,875 | 13.5 | |
| Republican | William Sean Buckner | 26,444 | 6.9 | |
| Republican | Brian Ragain | 22,478 | 5.9 | |
| Republican | Nick Hankins | 15,066 | 3.9 | |
| Total votes | 383,085 | 100.0 | ||
Democratic primary
[edit]Candidates
[edit][edit]
- Jim Priest, lawyer and former CEO of Sunbeam Family Services and Goodwill Industries of Central Oklahoma[44]
- Jasmine Thomas, nurse[45][15]
Eliminated in primary
[edit]Endorsements
[edit]Jim Priest
- Statewide elected officials
- Drew Edmondson, former Oklahoma Attorney General[46]
- Brad Henry, former Governor of Oklahoma[46]
- David Walters, former Governor of Oklahoma[46]
Fundraising
[edit]| Campaign finance reports as of March 31, 2026 | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Candidate | Raised | Spent | Cash on hand |
| Troy Green (D) | $22,600 | $15,373 | $7,227 |
| Jim Priest (D) | $203,272 | $68,438 | $134,834 |
| Jasmine Thomas (D) | $39,009 | $36,270 | $3,674 |
| Source: Federal Election Commission[40] | |||
Results
[edit]
Thomas
- 30–40%
- 40–50%
- 50–60%
Priest
- 20–30%
- 30–40%
- 40–50%
Green
- 30–40%
- 40–50%
| Party | Candidate | Votes | % | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Democratic | Jasmine Thomas | 76,330 | 45.2 | |
| Democratic | Jim Priest | 40,290 | 23.9 | |
| Democratic | Troy Green | 33,492 | 19.8 | |
| Democratic | Ervin Yen | 11,363 | 6.7 | |
| Democratic | R.O. Joe Cassity Jr. | 7,421 | 4.4 | |
| Total votes | 168,896 | 100.0 | ||
Libertarian primary
[edit]Candidates
[edit]Nominee
[edit]- Sevier White, nominee for Oklahoma's 4th congressional district in 2016[15]
Independents
[edit]Candidates
[edit]Declared
[edit]General election
[edit]Predictions
[edit]| Source | Ranking | As of |
|---|---|---|
| Inside Elections[48] | Solid R | April 23, 2026 |
| Race To The WH[49] | Safe R | May 22, 2026 |
| RealClearPolitics[50] | Solid R | May 19, 2026 |
| Sabato's Crystal Ball[51] | Safe R | March 4, 2026 |
| The Cook Political Report[52] | Solid R | April 13, 2026 |
| The Economist[53][e] | Likely R | May 22, 2026 |
Notes
[edit]- ↑ Incumbent Markwayne Mullin was nominated by President Donald Trump as the nominee of United States Secretary of Homeland Security. He vacated his Senate seat and governor Kevin Stitt appointed Armstrong as interim successor.
- ↑ 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.[5]
- ↑ Armstrong is prohibited from running for a full term by state law.
- 1 2 Key:
A – all adults
RV – registered voters
LV – likely voters
V – unclear - ↑ The Economist's prediction model uses unconventional terminology. For the purpose of equivalency, their "Very Likely" ratings are formatted as a "Likely" rating while "Likely" ratings are formatted as a "Lean" rating.
Partisan clients
- ↑ Poll sponsored by Club for Growth
References
[edit]- ↑ "United States Senate election in Oklahoma, 2026". ballotpedia.org. Ballotpedia. Retrieved November 12, 2024.
- ↑ "26 O.S. 6-102". oscn.net. Oklahoma State Courts Network. Retrieved April 5, 2026.
- ↑ 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.
- 1 2 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.
- 1 2 3 4 Bustillo, Ximena (March 23, 2026). "Markwayne Mullin confirmed as the next secretary of Homeland Security". NPR. Retrieved March 24, 2026.
- 1 2 3 4 5 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.
- ↑ Svirnovskiy, Gregory (March 24, 2026). "Stitt picks energy executive Alan Armstrong as next Oklahoma senator". Politico. Retrieved March 24, 2026.
- ↑ Carney, Jordan (March 24, 2026). "Introducing Sen. Alan Armstrong". Politico. Retrieved March 24, 2026.
- ↑ Fortinsky, Sarah (March 11, 2026). "Hern launches Senate bid for Mullin's Oklahoma seat". The Hill. Retrieved March 11, 2026.
- 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 "CANDIDATES FOR ELECTIVE OFFICE 2026" (PDF). Oklahoma.gov. April 3, 2026. Retrieved April 4, 2026.
- 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 Crumbacher, Katrina (March 31, 2026). "Who's running as Oklahoma candidate filing opens?". The Journal Record. Archived from the original on April 1, 2026. Retrieved April 2, 2026.
- ↑ "Races for the U.S. Senate and House". Oklahoma Constitution. Fall 2025. Retrieved November 29, 2025.
- ↑ Mueller, Julia (March 13, 2026). "Bice declines to run for Oklahoma Senate seat". The Hill. Retrieved March 13, 2026.
- 1 2 Gorman, Reese; Luetkemeyer, Em; Huiskes, Helen (March 5, 2026). "Oklahoma Republicans Are Already Eyeing Markwayne Mullin's Senate Seat". NOTUS. Retrieved March 5, 2026.
- 1 2 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.
- ↑ Razor, Calen; Mccarthy, Mia (March 6, 2026). "Mullin's sudden exit shakes up the Hill agenda". POLITICO. Retrieved March 8, 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.
- 1 2 3 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.
- ↑ Guinnip, Maria. "OKC election results: David Holt reelected mayor after quiet campaign". The Oklahoman. Retrieved March 25, 2026.
- ↑ Faught, Jamison (March 7, 2026). "Mullin to DHS: who might replace him in the Senate, plus other repercussions". Muskogee Politico. Retrieved March 7, 2026.
- 1 2 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.
- ↑ Kliewer, Addison (March 25, 2026). "President Donald Trump endorses T.W. Shannon for Oklahoma lieutenant governor". KOCO. Retrieved March 25, 2026.
- ↑ Svirnovskiy, Gregory (March 24, 2026). "Stitt picks energy executive Alan Armstrong as next Oklahoma senator". Politico. Retrieved March 24, 2026.
{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: url-status (link) - ↑ "AZA - Our Candidates". Retrieved May 13, 2026.
- 1 2 Onstot, Evan (March 14, 2026). "Trump endorses Kevin Hern for Oklahoma Senate seat". KOCO. Retrieved March 14, 2026.
- 1 2 Krehbiel, Randy (May 18, 2025). "Political notebook: Strong income tax receipts keep state revenue on track". Tulsa World. Retrieved May 20, 2025.
- 1 2 3 Krehbiel, Randy (March 11, 2026). "Oklahoma Congressman Kevin Hern formally announces Senate bid". Tulsa World. Retrieved March 11, 2026.
- 1 2 Talbot, Patrick (March 14, 2026). "Oklahoma Rep. Kevin Hern endorsed by Trump, lawmakers for Sen. Mullin's seat". KOCO. Retrieved March 15, 2026.
- 1 2 "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.
- 1 2 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.
- ↑ Krehbiel, Randy (May 10, 2026). "Political notebook: For once, state treasurer race could be interesting". Tulsa World. Retrieved May 11, 2026.
- ↑ "- AIPAC Political Portal". candidates.aipacpac.org. Retrieved April 28, 2025.
- 1 2 "2026 Election United States Senate - Oklahoma". fec.gov. Federal Election Commission. Retrieved April 23, 2025.
- ↑ "OK-Statewide-JMC Analytics-RepPrimary-2026-06-02" (PDF). JMC Analytics. June 4, 2026. Retrieved June 4, 2026.
- ↑ 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.
- 1 2 "Oklahoma Unofficial Results". results.okelections.gov. Oklahoma State Election Board. Retrieved June 17, 2026.
- ↑ 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.
- 1 2 3 Krehbiel, Randy (May 24, 2026). "Political notebook: Stitt-Drummond feud escalates as GOP primary approaches". Tulsa World. Retrieved May 24, 2026.
- ↑ Brumbelow, Cole (April 1, 2026). "Candidates file for local, county and statewide races in Oklahoma". KSWO. Retrieved April 3, 2026.
- ↑ "Senate Ratings". Inside Elections. Retrieved January 14, 2025.
- ↑ "2026 Senate Forecast". Race to the WH. Retrieved March 19, 2025.
- ↑ "Battle for the Senate 2026". RealClearPolitics. Retrieved May 24, 2026.
- ↑ "2026 Senate ratings". Sabato's Crystal Ball. Retrieved February 13, 2025.
- ↑ "2026 CPR Senate Race Ratings". Cook Political Report. Retrieved April 13, 2025.
- ↑ "2026 Senate Forecast". The Economist. Retrieved May 24, 2026.
External links
[edit]Official campaign websites