Oklahoma Sen. Markwayne Mullin set for March 18 Senate hearing on Homeland Security nomination

Confirmation hearing scheduled as White House advances nomination

U.S. Sen. Markwayne Mullin, an Oklahoma Republican, is scheduled to appear before the Senate Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs on Wednesday, March 18, 2026, for a confirmation hearing on his nomination to serve as Secretary of Homeland Security. The committee’s public schedule lists the proceeding as an examination of Mullin’s nomination for the Cabinet post.

The nomination was formally transmitted to the Senate on March 9, 2026. The hearing comes after President Donald Trump announced on March 5, 2026, that he would replace then-Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem and select Mullin for the role, with the transition described as taking effect March 31, 2026.

What the committee will evaluate

The Homeland Security secretary oversees a department with broad operational responsibilities, including immigration enforcement, border security, cybersecurity, transportation security, and coordination of federal disaster response. Confirmation hearings typically focus on a nominee’s management approach, readiness to direct large agencies, policy priorities, and legal authorities used by the department.

The committee hearing is an initial step in the Senate’s confirmation process. If the committee reports the nomination to the full Senate, senators can then consider the nomination for final confirmation.

Mullin’s background and current role in the Senate

Mullin was elected to the U.S. Senate in 2022 to complete the unexpired term of the late Sen. Jim Inhofe. Before joining the Senate, Mullin served multiple terms in the U.S. House of Representatives after first winning election in 2012.

In the current Congress, Mullin has held a leadership assignment as part of the Senate Republican deputy whip team. His current Senate portfolio also includes legislative work and committee activity typical of a first-term senator who entered the chamber after prior service in the House.

Potential impact on Oklahoma’s Senate seat

If Mullin is confirmed and resigns his Senate seat to join the administration, Oklahoma would face a vacancy that state law addresses through a temporary gubernatorial appointment followed by an election schedule set under state procedures. Recent reporting on Oklahoma election law indicates the governor would appoint an interim senator, and the law bars that appointee from running in the next election for the seat.

Key date: The Senate committee hearing on Mullin’s nomination is scheduled for March 18, 2026.

What to watch next

• Committee questioning and any requests for additional written responses following the hearing.
• A committee vote to advance the nomination to the full Senate.
• Oklahoma’s succession steps if a Senate vacancy occurs after confirmation.