Encyclopedia · Biography
Markwayne Mullin
Former Oklahoma senator and U.S. secretary of Homeland Security
Personal details
- Full name
- Markwayne Mullin
- Background
- Oklahoma ranching and plumbing business
- Spouse
- Christie Mullin
- Children
- Six
- Prior office
- U.S. House (2013–2023); U.S. Senate (2023–2026)
- Office
- Secretary of Homeland Security (since March 2026)
Markwayne Mullin is an American businessman, rancher and former Republican member of Congress who became secretary of Homeland Security in March 2026.
Family business and background
Raised in Oklahoma, Mullin attended school locally and studied briefly at Missouri Valley College on a wrestling scholarship. He and his wife Christie took over the family plumbing operation after his father became ill and subsequently expanded it. Mullin is a citizen of Cherokee Nation.
Congressional career
Mullin served in the U.S. House from 2013 through 2022 and entered the Senate in 2023. In Congress he worked on energy, veterans, infrastructure and other legislation while running as a Republican. His House and Senate history should be distinguished from powers exercised subsequently as a cabinet secretary.
2026 DHS succession
Trump nominated Mullin in March 2026 after removing Kristi Noem from the DHS leadership position. The Senate confirmed Mullin 54–45 on March 23, 2026. Core enforcement programs at DHS include ICE, CBP and related agencies; their institutional oversight falls under the secretary, but specific operational decisions require individual documentary evidence.
References
Research compiled November 13, 2026. Open questions belong in a separate research note, not in the public text.
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Documented connections
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- Donald Trump (person) — presidential nomination: Trump chose Mullin after Kristi Noem departure, followed by Senate confirmation · March 2026