GOP contenders eye Oklahoma Senate seat after Trump picks Markwayne Mullin for DHS

President Trump’s choice of Sen. Markwayne Mullin to become the next Homeland Security secretary is setting off a scramble to fill his seat in November.

In the near term, Republican Gov. Kevin Stitt would name a replacement to serve through the November election, if Mr. Mullin is confirmed by the Senate.

Under state law, that person must be a Republican — the same party as Mr. Mullin — and is not supposed to stand for election. That creates a level playing field for those who would run to replace Mr. Mullin.

Reps. Kevin Hern and Stephanie Bice, both Republicans, are reported to be eyeing the campaign.

The GOP nominee would be the odds-on favorite to win a full six-year term in November. The last time a Republican won less than 60% of the vote in a Senate election in Oklahoma was in 2008.

• Stephen Dinan can be reached at sdinan@washingtontimes.com.