Markwayne Mullin

Markwayne Mullin
Official portrait, 2026
9th United States Secretary of Homeland Security
Assumed office
March 24, 2026
PresidentDonald Trump
DeputyTroy Edgar
Preceded byKristi Noem
United States Senator
from Oklahoma
In office
January 3, 2023 – March 23, 2026
Preceded byJim Inhofe
Succeeded byAlan Armstrong
Member of the U.S. House of Representatives
from Oklahoma's 2nd district
In office
January 3, 2013 – January 3, 2023
Preceded byDan Boren
Succeeded byJosh Brecheen
Personal details
Born (1977-07-26) July 26, 1977 (age 49)
Tulsa, Oklahoma, U.S.
NationalityAmerican
Cherokee Nation
Political partyRepublican
Spouse(s)
Christie Rowan
​
(m. 1997)​
Children6
EducationMissouri Valley College
Oklahoma State University Institute of Technology (AAS)
WebsiteSenate website
Campaign website
Markwayne Mullin's voice
Markwayne Mullin questions witnesses on U.S. global leadership and military presence
Recorded February 15, 2023

Markwayne Mullin (born July 26, 1977) is an American politician and businessman who has been the 9th and current United States Secretary of Homeland Security since 2026. He was the United States Senator from Oklahoma between 2023 to 2026.

Markwayne, a Cherokee citizen, was elected as a Republican to the U.S. House of Representative for Oklahoma's 2nd district from 2013 to 2023. He is the first Native American U.S. senator since Ben Nighthorse Campbell retired in 2005. He was also the second Cherokee citizen elected to the Senate, the first being elected in 1925. He is also the first Cherokee citizen to become a member of the U.S. Cabinet.

In March 2026, President Donald Trump nominated Mullin to replace Kristi Noem as the next United States Secretary of Homeland Security. He was confirmed by the U.S. Senate almost three weeks later.

Early life

Mullin was born on July 26, 1977, in Tulsa, Oklahoma. He was raised in Westville, Oklahoma.

He graduated from Stilwell High School in Stilwell, Oklahoma. He went to Missouri Valley College in 1996, but did not graduate.

In 2010, Mullin received an associate degree in construction technology from Oklahoma State University Institute of Technology. Until 2026, he was the only U.S. senator without at least a bachelor's degree.

U.S. House of Representatives

In June 2011, incumbent U.S. Representative Dan Boren announced that he would retire at the end of 2012 from his 2nd Congressional District seat. In September 2011, Mullin announced his candidacy for the seat. He was elected in a landslide victory. Mullin was the first Republican to represent the district since Tom Coburn in 2001, and only the second in a century.

In 2014, Mullin was reelected with 70% of the vote. In 2016, he beat Democrat Joshua Harris-Till by 47 percentage points. He was re-elected in November 2018 with 65% of the vote. In 2020, Mullin won the Republican primary with 79.9% of the vote, and was reelected in November with 75% of the vote.

In 2022, Mullin supported removing the first and second impeachments of President Trump from the Congressional Record. House Republican Conference Chair Elise Stefanik supported the resolution. At the time, the House had a Democratic majority and the resolution did not pass.

U.S. Capitol riots

During the January 6 United States Capitol attack, Mullin helped U.S. Capitol Police build barricades and protect the doors to the House Chamber from the rioters. Mullin said that he saw the shooting of Trump supporter Ashli Babbitt during the attack, which happenedd after she climbed through a barricade leading toward the House Chamber; Mullin said the Capitol police officer had no choice but to shoot, and that this action saved people's lives, with members of Congress and their staff in danger from the mob.

In January 2025, although Mullin had said that Capitol rioters who committed violent crimes "need to pay for that", he did support President Trump pardoning them in January 2025.

U.S. Senator

In February 2022, Markwayne announced his candidacy for the United States Senate in the 2022 special election to replace retiring Senator Jim Inhofe. He won the Republican nomination in the August 2022 run-off primary. He won the general election on November 8, 2022, beating Democrat Kendra Horn.

Mullin in December 2024

Markwayne sponsored thirty-three bills in his first 1,001 days as a United States Senator, but not one was passed by the Senate in that time. He claimed in September 2025 that someone was not being honest to Congress about how she had lost her job, and later said he was mistaken about a recording of her meeting with Secretary Kennedy. In an official meeting in November 2023, Markwayne challenged a union boss from Massachusetts to a fight.

In January 2025, Markwayne mentioned something from the Gospel of Matthew in a meeting about Pete Hegseth, while making a point about potential hypocrisy. He called Josh Gottheimer, a person in Congress from the Democratic Party, a very good friend when they were on a TV show together.

In 2025, Mullin voted for the One Big Beautiful Bill. The bill cuts funding for Medicaid fraud and adds a work requirement for those receiving benefits. The bill added $4.5 trillion in tax cuts and a projected $3.3 trillion to the national debt over a decade.

After being confirmed as U.S. Secretary of Homeland Security in March 2026, Mullin resigned from the Senate.

U.S. Secretary of Homeland Security

Nomination and confirmation

On March 5, 2026, Mullin was nominated by President Trump to be the United States Secretary of Homeland Security, replacing Kristi Noem.

Mullin with President Donald Trump shortly after being sworn-in as secretary at the White House, March 2026

His hearing before the Senate Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs was held on March 18. The committee voted to support his nomination in an 8–7 vote the next day, with Senator John Fetterman being the only Democrat who voted to confirm. The Senate advanced Mullin's nomination in a 54–37 vote on March 22. He was confirmed in a 54–45 vote the following day. Democratic senators Martin Heinrich of New Mexico and Fetterman voted to confirm Mullin. Republican Senator Rand Paul of Kentucky voted against Mullin's confirmation.

Tenure

Mullin was sworn in as the secretary of homeland security by Attorney General Pam Bondi on March 24 at the White House. He became the first member of the Cherokee Nation to serve in the Cabinet of the United States.

Personal life

Mullin and his wife, Christie Renee Rowan, live in Westville. They have six children.

Between November 2006 and April 2007, Mullin fought in three mixed martial arts fights, winning all three.

Mullin is an enrolled citizen of the Cherokee Nation.

References

  1. ↑ "Biography". U.S. Senator Markwayne Mullin of Oklahoma. Retrieved 2025-10-28.[permanent dead link]
  2. ↑ "Mullin, Markwayne | The Encyclopedia of Oklahoma History and Culture". Oklahoma Historical Society. Retrieved 2025-10-28.
  3. ↑ Brewer, Graham Lee (2019-12-09). "This Cherokee congressman is for Trump – and Indian Country". High Country News. Retrieved 2025-10-28.
  4. ↑ "MULLIN, Markwayne | US House of Representatives: History, Art & Archives". history.house.gov. Retrieved 2025-10-28.
  5. ↑ "Rep. Markwayne Mullin". Republican Accountability. Retrieved 2025-10-28.[permanent dead link]
  6. ↑ "Markwayne Mullin wins US Senate seat". Indian Country Today. November 8, 2022. Retrieved November 8, 2022.
  7. ↑ Rowley, D. Sean (10 November 2022). "Native candidates headed for Congress after midterms". Cherokee Phoenix. Retrieved 25 November 2022.
  8. 1 2 Wilson, Mallory (March 24, 2026). "Markwayne Mullin sworn-in as DHS secretary". The Hill. Retrieved March 25, 2026.
  9. ↑ "Trump says Kristi Noem is stepping down as homeland security secretary". NBC News. 2026-03-05. Retrieved 2026-03-05.
  10. 1 2 3 "Markwayne Mullin". Roll Call. Archived from the original on November 10, 2012.
  11. ↑ "Mullin, Markwayne". The Encyclopedia of Oklahoma History and Culture. Retrieved 2023-03-12.
  12. ↑ "Markwayne Mullin Tapped to Give National Republican Address | .Politics". Blog.newsok.com. 2012-10-16. Retrieved 2012-11-08.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: deprecated archival service (link)
  13. ↑ MULLIN, Markwayne, (1977 - ) Biographical Directory of the United States Congress. 1774-Present. Retrieved April 13, 2017
  14. ↑ Nearly all members of the 118th Congress have a bachelor's degree... Pew Research Center, February 2, 2023. Retrieved October 6, 2023.
  15. ↑ Casteel, Chris (June 7, 2011). "Oklahoma's U.S. Rep. Dan Boren won't seek re-election in 2012". The Oklahoman. Retrieved August 26, 2022.
  16. ↑ "Markwayne Mullin makes Congressional bid official". KRMG. September 6, 2011. Archived from the original on May 12, 2012. Retrieved August 26, 2022.
  17. ↑ "November 06 2012 Oklahoma State Election Board Official Results". results.okelections.us. Oklahoma State Election Board. Retrieved 26 August 2022.
  18. ↑ Krehbiel, Mark (November 7, 2012). "Republican Markwayne Mullin voted into 2nd District Seat". Tulsa World. Retrieved November 8, 2012.
  19. ↑ Staff Writer. "Election 2014: Markwayne Mullin Re-Elected To U.S. House". Southwest Times Record. Retrieved 2022-12-30.
  20. ↑ "Official Results - General Election — November 8, 2016". Oklahoma Secretary of State. November 8, 2016. Archived from the original on November 24, 2016. Retrieved December 1, 2016.
  21. ↑ "JUNE 26 2018 Oklahoma State Election Board Official Results". results.okelections.us. Oklahoma State Election Board. Retrieved 26 August 2022.
  22. ↑ "November 06 2018 Oklahoma State Election Board Official Results". results.okelections.us. Oklahoma State Election Board. Retrieved 26 August 2022.
  23. ↑ "June 26 2018 Oklahoma State Election Board Official Results". Oklahoma State Election Board. Retrieved 26 August 2022.
  24. ↑ "November 03 2020 Oklahoma State Election Board Official Results". Oklahoma State Election Board. Retrieved 26 August 2022.
  25. ↑ Brooks, Emily (18 May 2022). "Mullin legislation would expunge Trump Jan. 6 impeachment". The Hill. Retrieved 29 June 2023.
  26. ↑ Wagner, John (12 January 2023). "McCarthy says he's willing to look at expunging a Trump impeachment". Washington Post. Retrieved 30 June 2023.
  27. ↑ Dorn, Sara (June 23, 2023). "Could Trump Be Un-Impeached? GOP Starts Process To 'Expunge' Ex-President's Record". Forbes. Retrieved 29 June 2023.
  28. ↑ White, Kaylee McGhee (2022-01-06). "Reminder: Not one person involved in Jan. 6 riot has been charged with 'insurrection' - Washington Examiner". Retrieved 2025-05-21.
  29. ↑ Cathey, Libby; Thorbecke, Catherine; Winsor, Morgan; Sanchez, Rosa (January 7, 2021). "Congressman recalls moment woman was shot inside Capitol building". ABC News. Retrieved June 17, 2021.{{cite news}}: CS1 maint: deprecated archival service (link)
  30. ↑ Melendez, Pilar; Bredderman, William; Montgomery, Blake (January 8, 2021). "'Didn't Have a Choice': Vet Was Climbing Through Broken Window When She Was Shot Dead". The Daily Beast. Retrieved June 17, 2021.
  31. ↑ Beckett, Lois; Ho, Vivian (January 9, 2021). "'She was deep into it': Ashli Babbitt, killed in Capitol riot, was devoted conspiracy theorist". The Guardian. Archived from the original on 2021-01-09.
  32. ↑ "Trump administration to pay nearly $5 million to settle lawsuit over Jan. 6 shooting of Ashli Babbitt". wusa9.com. 2025-05-19. Retrieved 2025-08-14.
  33. ↑ Scott, Rachel; Murray, Isabella; Ibssa, Lalee; Pecorin, Allison (January 21, 2025). "Senate Republicans have mixed reactions to Trump's pardons for Jan. 6 violent offenders". ABC News. Retrieved January 6, 2026.
  34. ↑ Morris, Callie (February 26, 2022). "Rep. Markwayne Mullin announces run for Senate". KTUL News. Retrieved February 26, 2022.
  35. ↑ LaCroix, Ryan; Mills, Kateleigh; Korth, Robby; Wheeler, Graycen; Nuñez, Xcaret; France, Hannah; Wallis, Beth; Layden, Logan (2022-08-23). "Oklahoma GOP voters advance Mullin, Breechen, Walters and more to general election". KOSU. Retrieved 2025-10-28.
  36. ↑ Staff, KOCO (2022-11-09). "Oklahoma Election Results: Markwayne Mullin wins race for US Senate, claiming Inhofe's open seat". KOCO. Archived from the original on 2025-04-06. Retrieved 2025-10-28.
  37. ↑ "Legislative Search Results". www.congress.gov. Retrieved 2025-10-28.
  38. ↑ "POLITICO Pro: Senator claims Monarez was recorded, followed by denials". subscriber.politicopro.com. Retrieved 2025-10-28.
  39. ↑ Jewett, Christina (2025-09-17). "Senator Says Meeting Between Kennedy and His C.D.C. Director Was Recorded, Then Backtracks". The New York Times. Retrieved 2025-10-28.
  40. ↑ cossaeditor (2025-09-30). "Fired CDC Director Testifies in Front of Congress | COSSA". Consortium of Social Science Associations. Retrieved 2025-10-28.
  41. ↑ News, A. B. C. "Susan Monarez, former CDC director, tells Senate committee 'true reason' she believes she was fired". ABC News. Retrieved 2025-10-28. {{cite web}}: |last= has generic name (help)
  42. ↑ "Senator claims Monarez was recorded, followed by denials". POLITICO. 2025-09-17. Retrieved 2025-10-28.
  43. ↑ Stone, Will (2025-09-17). "Ousted CDC director testifies she was fired for resisting pressure from RFK Jr". NPR. Retrieved 2025-10-28.
  44. ↑ Jalonick, Mary Clare (2023-11-14). "GOP senator challenges Teamsters head to a fight in a fiery exchange at a hearing". AP News. Retrieved 2025-10-28.
  45. ↑ "GOP Sen. Markwayne Mullin challenges Teamsters president Sean O'Brien to fight at Senate hearing - CBS News". www.cbsnews.com. 2023-11-14. Retrieved 2025-10-28.
  46. ↑ Spady, Aubrie (2025-01-14). "GOP senator flips script on Dems for 'hypocritical' grilling of Hegseth: 'So ridiculous'". Fox News. Retrieved 2025-10-28.
  47. ↑ Fortinsky, Sarah (2025-09-11). "GOP senator says both sides 'gaslight the base' after Kirk shooting". The Hill. Retrieved 2025-11-01.
  48. ↑ Navarro, Chantelle (2025-07-01). "Oklahoma Policy Institute: 'Big, beautiful bill' would add more hoops for Oklahomans with Medicaid". KOCO. Retrieved 2025-07-02.
  49. ↑ "Here's what's in the big bill that just passed the Senate". PBS.org. PBS. July 2025. Retrieved 10 November 2025.
  50. ↑ Staff, A. O. L. (2025-07-02). "Senate passes Trump's big bill with Medicaid changes; House battle is next". www.aol.com. Archived from the original on 2025-07-27. Retrieved 2025-07-02.
  51. ↑ Hoberock, Barbara (March 23, 2026). "Mullin resigns from US Senate". Oklahoma Voice. Oklahoma Voice. Retrieved March 23, 2026.
  52. ↑ "Trump taps Markwayne Mullin to replace Noem as DHS secretary: live updates". Newsweek. 2026-03-05. Retrieved 2026-03-05.
  53. ↑ "Mullin confirmation hearing to lead DHS formally scheduled". The Hill. March 12, 2026. Retrieved March 16, 2026.
  54. ↑ "Trump's DHS pick Mullin advances by one vote after Sen. Fetterman votes yes". NBC News. March 19, 2026. Retrieved March 19, 2026.
  55. ↑ Diaz, Alicia (March 22, 2026). "Trump DHS Nominee Mullin Advances in Senate Procedural Vote". Bloomberg News. Retrieved March 22, 2026.
  56. ↑ Sacchetti, Maria; Meyer, Theodoric (March 23, 2026). "Senate confirms Mullin as Homeland Security secretary". The Washington Post. Retrieved March 23, 2026.
  57. ↑ Bazail-Emil, Eric (March 24, 2026). "Markwayne Mullin takes over at a precarious moment for DHS". Politico. Retrieved March 24, 2026.
  58. ↑ Sherdog.com. "Markwayne Mullin MMA Stats, Pictures, News, Videos, Biography - Sherdog.com". Sherdog. Retrieved 2020-06-22.
  59. ↑ "Mark Wayne Mullin : Official MMA Fight Record (3-0-0)". The Underground. Retrieved 2023-03-12.
  60. ↑ Brewer, Graham Lee (December 9, 2019). "This Cherokee congressman is for Trump – and Indian Country". High Country News. Archived from the original on June 11, 2024.

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