Sen. Markwayne Mullin (R-OK) has been confirmed as Secretary of Homeland Security, clearing the Senate despite dissent within his own party and unusual voting dynamics.
The Senate voted 54-45 on March 23 to confirm Mullin to lead the Department of Homeland Security, placing the Oklahoma Republican at the center of President Donald Trump’s immigration enforcement agenda, according to the congressional record.
Mullin’s confirmation drew notable opposition, including from Sen. Rand Paul (R-KY), who had sharply criticized his colleague during a contentious confirmation hearing and ultimately voted against him. Sen. Gary Peters (D-MI) also opposed the nomination, citing concerns about Mullin’s judgment and leadership, The Dallas Express previously reported.
At the same time, Sen. Ruben Gallego (D-AZ) did not cast a vote on the nomination.
Mullin secured support from most Republicans and a small number of Democrats, including Sen. John Fetterman (D-PA) and Sen. Martin Heinrich (D-NM), helping push the nomination across the finish line.
Mullin himself voted in favor of his own confirmation, as he has not yet vacated his Senate seat. The vote is not unprecedented for a sitting senator; then-Sen. Marco Rubio joined the Senate in unanimously confirming him to be Secretary of State. Then-Senators John Kerry (D-MA) voted “present,” and Hillary Clinton (D-NY) did not vote when they were nominated to serve as Secretary of State under Barack Obama.
Mullin is set to replace outgoing DHS Secretary Kristi Noem at a time when the agency is navigating a funding lapse that has left roughly 100,000 employees working without pay, according to NPR. The department has also been central to the administration’s expanded immigration enforcement efforts, including increased detention capacity and enforcement surges in major cities.
During his confirmation hearing, Mullin sought to reassure lawmakers that he would bring stability to the role while maintaining enforcement priorities.
“I’m not scared of a challenge. I am scared of failure, and so I will work hard each day,” Mullin said.