Kevin Hern represents an Oklahoma district and chairs the Republican Study Committee (RSC), the main ideological caucus for House conservatives. A former McDonald’s franchise owner, he leans heavily on his business background to push an entrepreneur-focused, fiscally hawkish agenda.
Hern routinely emphasizes cutting federal spending, shrinking the administrative state, and simplifying the tax code. As RSC Chair, he helps craft conservative budget blueprints and policy proposals that often serve as a roadmap for the right flank of the GOP.
His brand mixes Mainstream Conservative governance with a populist edge on fiscal issues: railing against deficits, federal waste, and what he portrays as a system rigged against small businesses and workers.
Mainstream Conservative
Achievements
- Elected Chair of the Republican Study Committee, giving him a central role in shaping conservative policy.
- Vocal advocate for balanced budgets, spending cuts, and restructuring major entitlement programs.
- Uses his small-business background to champion deregulatory and pro-entrepreneur legislation.
- Influential in GOP budget proposals and long-term fiscal plans.
- Seen by many conservatives as a serious policy-focused voice on economic issues.
Controversies
- Criticized by Democrats and advocacy groups for backing deep cuts to social safety-net programs.
- Accused by opponents of prioritizing corporate and franchise interests over labor protections.
- Some moderates view his budget stances as politically risky in swing districts.
- Tensions at times with more populist Republicans who emphasize tariffs or industrial policy over pure free-market orthodoxy.
Top Donors
| Donor | Total | Individuals | PACs |
|---|---|---|---|
| American Israel Public Affairs Cmte | $31,350 | $21,350 | $10,000 |
| Jim Norton Toyota | $26,100 | $26,100 | $0 |
| Capitol Tax Partners | $20,650 | $20,650 | $0 |
| McDonald's Corp | $18,332 | $8,332 | $10,000 |
| Akin, Gump et al | $17,000 | $11,750 | $5,250 |
The organizations themselves cannot donate; totals reflect contributions from individuals and PACs affiliated with each entity.