OKLAHOMA CITY, Okla. (KSWO) – Oklahoma’s Lieutenant Governor says he intends to leave politics. Lt. Gov. Matt Pinnell saying on social media he will not run for any elected office.
The development comes just days after Senator Markwayne Mullin was nominated to be the next Secretary of Homeland Security. The move by President Trump has sparked a flurry of speculation about who would run to replace him, should Mullin be confirmed to the President’s cabinet.
Pinnell says he and his family are ready for a new chapter outside of politics.
Meanwhile, The Oklahoma Freedom Caucus is weighing in on Governor Stitt’s options to replace Senator Mullin.
The group issued a statement on the short list of potential appointees to the vacant U.S. Senate seat. The Caucus strongly recommends former State Senator Nathan Dahm, whom they say is the obvious and most qualified choice for Governor Kevin Stitt’s appointment.
The Caucus says it looks forward to working with Governor Stitt on this decision and remains committed to supporting conservative leadership at all levels of government.
Senate Republicans are hoping to begin Confirmation hearings for Senator Mullin next week.
Senate Homeland Security Chair Rand Paul told reporters the confirmation hearings could begin as soon as next Wednesday, March 18th.
President Trump hopes to have Mullin confirmed to take over the top spot at DHS by the end of the month.
Other names reportedly under consideration to potentially replace Senator Mullin include:
David Ostrowe, Chief Operating Officer for the State of OklahomaHarold Hamm, Energy entrepreneur and founder of Continental ResourcesJohn O’Connor, 19th Oklahoma Attorney General from 2021 to 2023Dustin Hilliary, Lawton area businessman and Senior Advisor to the GovernorDonelle Harder, Governor Stitt’s Chief of Staff
The appointee will serve until a new senator is elected in the November 2026 general election.
Nick Hankins, Ron Meinhardt, Tammy Swearengin, and Wayne Washington are running in the Republican primary for Mullin’s U.S. Senate Seat. Senator Mullin had also announced intention to seek re-election, however that announcement came prior to his nomination to be the Secretary of D.H.S.
More candidates could enter the race, as the filing deadline is April 3, 2026. Primary elections for both Republicans and Democrats will be held June 16.
U.S. Representative Stephanie Bice, whose district covers central Oklahoma, wrote on social media she is “carefully considering” a run for the seat.
U.S. Representative Kevin Hern is also considering a run. The republican has represented the Tulsa area in congress since 2018.
Some news outlets have speculated that term limited Governor Kevin Stitt could announce his intention to run for the U.S. Senate Seat.
The Governor has broad name recognition, though recent spats with President Trump over the annual meeting of the National Governors Association, as well as statements appearing to be opposed to the President’s immigration policies could prove harmful to any potential campaign.
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