Markwayne Mullin has served as U.S. Senator from Oklahoma since 2023, after nearly a decade in the U.S. House. A former plumbing company owner and MMA fighter, he leans hard into the “businessman, not a politician” identity and speaks in blunt, confrontational style.
In Washington, Mullin has pushed for aggressive border enforcement, energy independence through oil and gas, and fewer federal rules on Oklahoma businesses. He’s also taken up rural infrastructure and Native affairs, highlighting his Cherokee Nation heritage.
He’s widely seen as a populist conservative: culturally hard right, strongly pro-gun, very anti-regulation, and eager to scrap with Democrats — and sometimes reporters — in public.
Right Wing Populist
Achievements
- Pushed for aggressive U.S. energy production and “energy dominance”
- Consistent advocate for deregulation and small-business owners
- Vocal defender of Second Amendment rights at the federal level
- Secured funding for rural water, roads, and telecom in eastern Oklahoma
- Worked visibly on tribal sovereignty and Native community programs
Controversies
- Criticized for objecting to 2020 election certification and echoing Trump-aligned claims
- Faced backlash for heated confrontations and confrontational rhetoric, including over COVID mandates
- Ethics questions about business entanglements while in office
- Hardline anti-immigration messaging drew civil rights pushback
- Tension over how federal money for tribal programs is allocated
Top Donors
| Donor | Total | Individuals | PACs |
|---|---|---|---|
| Devon Energy | $104,950 | $56,450 | $48,500 |
| American Israel Public Affairs Cmte | $89,000 | $89,000 | $0 |
| Blue Cross/Blue Shield | $84,750 | $1,750 | $83,000 |
| Ameristate Bank | $70,110 | $70,110 | $0 |
| Hilliary Communications | $65,650 | $65,650 | $0 |
Amounts shown reflect organization-linked giving; most funds listed here are from individual donors or aligned PACs.
Recent Elections
2022 Margin R +26.3%