History of Markwayne Mullin in Timeline

Markwayne Mullin is an American politician and businessman currently serving as Oklahoma's junior United States senator since 2023. A Republican, he won a special election in 2022 to fill the remainder of Jim Inhofe's term. Mullin's background is in business, which likely informs his approach to policy and governance in the Senate.

Sections (3)

Full Timeline Career & Achievements Controversies & Scandals

1925: Robert L. Owen Retired

In 1925, Robert L. Owen, the second member of the Cherokee Nation, retired from the Senate.

July 26, 1977: Markwayne Mullin's Birth

On July 26, 1977, Markwayne Mullin was born. He is an American politician and businessman who has served as the United States secretary of homeland security since 2026.

Others born on this day/year

1996: Graduated High School

In 1996, Markwayne Mullin graduated from Stilwell High School, where he wrestled.

1997: Married Christie Renee Rowan

In 1997, Markwayne Mullin married his high school sweetheart, Christie Renee Rowan.

1998: Took control of family business

In 1998, Markwayne Mullin took control of his family's plumbing business after his father's health declined.

2005: Ben Nighthorse Campbell Resigned

In 2005, Ben Nighthorse Campbell resigned, marking the last time a tribal citizen served in the United States Senate before Mullin.

2006: Began MMA Career

Markwayne Mullin began his career as a professional mixed martial arts fighter in 2006.

2007: Ended MMA Career

Markwayne Mullin's brief professional mixed martial arts career ended in 2007.

2009: Mullin Plumbing Hired Tim Saylor

In 2009 Mullin Plumbing hired Tim Saylor, who was convicted of gun-related crimes in 2009.

2010: Received Associate Degree

In 2010, Markwayne Mullin received an Associate in Applied Science in plumbing from the Oklahoma State University Institute of Technology.

June 2011: Boren Announced Retirement

In June 2011, Oklahoma representative Dan Boren announced that he would not run for reelection, setting the stage for Markwayne Mullin's campaign.

July 2011: Mullin Plumbing Became Largest Plumbing Service

By July 2011, Mullin Plumbing had become Oklahoma's largest plumbing service company.

2011: Hosted House Talk Radio Program

By 2011, Markwayne Mullin had begun hosting House Talk, a call-in radio program for home improvement syndicated on Saturday mornings on KFAQ.

2011: Mullin Opposes Obama's Policies

In 2011, Markwayne Mullin declared in his initial campaign announcement that he would oppose the Obama administration's policies.

2011: Campaign announcement and call for firing "career bureaucrats"

In 2011, during his initial campaign announcement, Markwayne Mullin called for firing "career bureaucrats" in Washington, D.C. He opposed measures that would increase the national debt of the United States.

March 2012: FEC Complaint Filed Against Mullin's Campaign

In March 2012, the Claremore Daily Progress reported that the Federal Election Commission had received a complaint about Markwayne Mullin's campaign, alleging excessive contributions and corporate donations.

September 2012: Associated Press Reports on Federal Stimulus Funds

In September 2012, the Associated Press reported that Mullin Plumbing had received about $370,000 in federal stimulus funds through the Cherokee and Muscogee Nations.

December 2012: Mullin Appointed to House Committees

In December 2012, Markwayne Mullin was appointed by the Republican Steering Committee to serve on the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, as well as on Natural Resources.

2012: Operated Oklahoma Fight Club

By 2012, Markwayne Mullin operated the Oklahoma Fight Club, a jujutsu and mixed martial arts school in Broken Arrow, Oklahoma.

January 3, 2013: Sworn into Office

On January 3, 2013, Markwayne Mullin was sworn into office as a U.S. Representative.

January 2013: Mullin Named to House Transportation Subcommittees

In January 2013, Markwayne Mullin was named to the House Transportation Subcommittees on Water Resources and Environment, on Highways and Transit, on Economic Development, Public Buildings and Emergency Management, on Indian and Alaskan Native Affairs, and on Water and Power.

March 2013: Cosponsorship of legislation to shift control of federally regulated shorelines

In March 2013, Markwayne Mullin cosponsored legislation that would shift control of federally regulated shorelines from the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission to states. That month, he urged Obama to approve the Keystone XL pipeline. Mullin also opposed the farm bill in 2013.

March 2013: Introduction of legislation to streamline National Environmental Policy Act for wind energy

In March 2013, Markwayne Mullin introduced legislation to streamline the National Environmental Policy Act for wind energy.

April 2013: FEC Ruled in Mullin's Favor

In April 2013, the FEC ruled in Markwayne Mullin's favor, determining that his campaign had refunded improper contributions but reminding it about corporate and excessive contributions.

June 2013: Mullin's Net Worth Estimated

In June 2013, financial disclosures indicated that Markwayne Mullin might have been the wealthiest member of Oklahoma's congressional delegation, with an estimated net worth between $2.8 and $9 million.

July 2013: Owned Eight Businesses

According to The Oklahoman, by July 2013, Markwayne Mullin owned eight businesses.

September 2013: Vote against authorizing force in Syria

In September 2013, Markwayne Mullin voted against authorizing force in Syria.

December 2013: Office of Congressional Ethics Recommended Investigation

In December 2013, the Office of Congressional Ethics recommended a full investigation to the House Committee on Ethics over allegations that Markwayne Mullin received outside earned income and had endorsed products and services owned by him or his family.

2013: Vote against reauthorization of the Violence Against Women Act

In 2013, Markwayne Mullin voted against reauthorization of the Violence Against Women Act.

February 2014: Mullin Named to House Natural Resources Subcommittee

In February 2014, Markwayne Mullin was named to the House Natural Resources Subcommittee on Energy and Mineral Resources.

March 2014: Committee Released Report Alleging Ethics Violations

In March 2014, the House Committee on Ethics released a report alleging that Markwayne Mullin violated House ethics rules and federal laws by earning over $600,000 from his plumbing companies and by sitting on his plumbing company's board.

April 8, 2014: Announced Reelection Campaign

On April 8, 2014, Markwayne Mullin announced that he would seek reelection.

2014: Criticism of housing migrant children and Obama administration immigration actions

In 2014, Markwayne Mullin criticized the housing of unaccompanied migrant children at Fort Sill and condemned the Obama administration's actions regarding an immigration crisis.

2014: Mullin Supported Supreme Court's Decision

In 2014, Markwayne Mullin supported the Supreme Court's decision in Burwell v. Hobby Lobby Stores, Inc., which provided religious exemptions for private corporations on certain regulations.

January 2015: Effort to reverse Obama administration regulations on oil and gas

In January 2015, Markwayne Mullin sought to reverse Obama administration regulations on oil and gas.

September 2015: Sought House Majority Whip Position

In September 2015, Markwayne Mullin began a campaign to succeed Steve Scalise as House majority whip after John Boehner announced his resignation.

November 2015: Mullin Endorses Marco Rubio

In November 2015, Markwayne Mullin endorsed Florida senator Marco Rubio in his campaign for the 2016 presidential election.

November 2015: Introduction of amendment to allow killing of swallows to hasten construction

In November 2015, Markwayne Mullin introduced an amendment to the Fixing America's Surface Transportation Act that would allow the killing of swallows, a protected species, to hasten construction.

April 2016: Filed to Run for Reelection

In April 2016, Markwayne Mullin filed to run in that year's election, vowing to serve no more than three terms.

May 2016: Criticism of Department of Education's transgender student policy

In May 2016, Markwayne Mullin criticized the Department of Education and the Department of Justice's Dear Colleague letter on transgender students, arguing that transgender girls should not use girls' restrooms in public schools.

May 2016: Mullin Introduces Muhammad Ali Expansion Act

In May 2016, Markwayne Mullin introduced the Muhammad Ali Expansion Act, a bill that would expand the Muhammad Ali Boxing Reform Act to include mixed martial arts.

June 2016: Mullin Considers Fourth Term

In June 2016, Markwayne Mullin did not definitively state whether he would run for a fourth term in Congress.

August 2016: Traveled to Jordan

In August 2016, Markwayne Mullin traveled to Jordan for three days on a classified visit, going through Survival, Evasion, Resistance and Escape training.

August 2016: Mullin Endorses Donald Trump

In August 2016, after Marco Rubio was defeated by Donald Trump in the Republican primaries, Markwayne Mullin endorsed Trump.

December 2016: Named Chair of Native American Coalition

By December 2016, president-elect Donald Trump had named Markwayne Mullin the chair of his Native American Coalition.

2016: Inducted into National Wrestling Hall of Fame

In 2016, Markwayne Mullin was inducted into the National Wrestling Hall of Fame.

January 2017: Mullin Buys Stock in Innate Immunotherapeutics

Around January 2017, Markwayne Mullin bought stock in Innate Immunotherapeutics, a company involved in an insider trading scandal with New York representative Chris Collins.

January 2017: Mullin Named to House Energy Subcommittee on Health

In January 2017, Markwayne Mullin was named to the House Energy Subcommittee on Health.

March 2017: Mullin Files Declaration of Candidacy

In March 2017, Markwayne Mullin filed a declaration of candidacy with the FEC after being informed that he must "disavow" further fundraising or notify it that he would be a candidate in the 2018 election.

April 2017: Mullin: Taxpayers Paying Salary is 'Bullcrap'

In April 2017, Markwayne Mullin said at a town hall in Jay, Oklahoma, that it was "bullcrap" that taxpayers pay his salary.

2017: Rand Paul's Neighbor Assault

In 2017, Kentucky senator Rand Paul's neighbor had assaulted him. At a Senate Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs hearing, Kentucky senator Rand Paul verbally attacked Mullin for saying he understood why Paul's neighbor had assaulted him.

June 2018: Mullin Described as One of Trump's Most Vocal Backers

By June 2018, The Oklahoman had described Markwayne Mullin as one of Trump's "most vocal backers", particularly on tariffs.

June 28, 2018: Mullin Wins Republican Primary

On June 28, 2018, Markwayne Mullin won the Republican primary election.

October 2018: Trump Endorses Mullin

In October 2018, Donald Trump endorsed Markwayne Mullin in that year's election.

December 2018: Introduction of bill to ensure funding for the Indian Health Service

In December 2018, amid a government shutdown, Markwayne Mullin introduced a bill that would ensure that the Indian Health Service would remain funded.

2018: Praise for the opening of the U.S. embassy in Jerusalem

In 2018, Markwayne Mullin praised the opening of the U.S. embassy in Jerusalem.

2018: Received Honorary Degree

In 2018, Markwayne Mullin received an honorary degree from Bacone College.

2018: Committee Called for Mullin to Return Money

In 2018, the Ethics Committee called for Markwayne Mullin to return $40,000 to his family business, Mullin West.

2020: Urging tribes to negotiate agreement with Oklahoma over prosecutions

Following the Supreme Court's ruling in McGirt v. Oklahoma in 2020, Markwayne Mullin urged tribes to slowly negotiate an agreement with Oklahoma over prosecutions.

2020: Mullin Wins Re-election

In 2020, Markwayne Mullin ran again and won the Republican primary on July 2 and the general election on November 3.

2020: Mullin Repeats Sentiments Regarding Ballot Counting

In 2020, as Trump expressed doubts about the ballot counting process in the presidential election, Mullin repeated similar sentiments. He affirmed Trump's efforts to contest the results and engaged in efforts to overturn the election. Mullin was also present during the January 6 Capitol attack.

January 2021: Introduction of bill to prevent transgender women in women's sports

In January 2021, Markwayne Mullin and Hawaii representative Tulsi Gabbard introduced a bill that would prevent transgender women from participating in women's sports.

August 2021: Mullin Travels to Greece and Requests Access to Kabul

In August 2021, The Washington Post reported that Markwayne Mullin traveled to Greece and requested authorization from the Department of Defense to enter Kabul as the Taliban mounted an offensive on Afghanistan, but the request was rejected. Mullin asked for assistance in moving cash into Tajikistan.

December 2021: Sold Businesses to CenterOak Partners

In December 2021, Markwayne Mullin sold his businesses to CenterOak Partners, a private equity firm based in Dallas.

December 2021: Mullin Had Nearly $1 Million in Account

In December 2021, Markwayne Mullin's campaign finance reports indicated that he had nearly $1 million in his account.

2021: Mullin's Business Sale

In 2021, the sale of Markwayne Mullin's businesses was not publicly disclosed; according to PitchBook, Mullin moved between $25 million and $50 million into a cash management account the day he sold his companies.

2021: Biden Administration 'Tried to Kill' Mullin

In April 2022, Markwayne Mullin claimed in a fundraising letter that the Biden administration "tried to kill" him in his effort to rescue Afghans in 2021.

February 2022: Jim Inhofe Announces Resignation

In February 2022, Oklahoma senator Jim Inhofe announced his resignation, prompting Markwayne Mullin to run in the special election to succeed Inhofe.

February 26, 2022: Mullin to Run for Inhofe's Seat

On February 26, 2022, after Jim Inhofe announced his resignation, Markwayne Mullin wrote on Twitter that he would run for Inhofe's seat.

March 2022: Mullin Proposes Expunging Trump's Impeachment

In March 2022, Markwayne Mullin proposed expunging Donald Trump's first impeachment.

August 2022: White House Criticizes PPP Loan Forgiveness

In August 2022, the White House's Twitter account criticized Markwayne Mullin for having $1.4 million in Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loans forgiven.

January 3, 2023: Mullin Sworn into Office

On January 3, 2023, Markwayne Mullin was sworn into office as a United States Senator.

February 2023: Mullin Named to Senate Committees

In February 2023, Markwayne Mullin was named to the Senate Committees on Armed Services, on Environment and Public Works, and on Indian Affairs, and assigned to the Armed Services Subcommittees.

March 2023: Criticism of Biden's Environmental Protection Agency for promoting electric vehicles

In March 2023, Markwayne Mullin criticized Biden's Environmental Protection Agency for promoting electric vehicles.

March 2023: Mullin Spars with Teamsters President

In March 2023, Markwayne Mullin publicly sparred with Teamsters president Sean O'Brien in a hearing before the Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor and Pensions, even threatening to fight him.

2023: Mullin Did Not Disclose Stock Purchases

In 2023, the Campaign Legal Center filed a complaint with the Senate Select Committee on Ethics alleging that Markwayne Mullin had not disclosed nine stock purchases.

June 2024: Mullin's Portfolio Managed by Third Party

In June 2024, a spokesperson for Markwayne Mullin told The New Yorker that his portfolio was managed by an "independent third party".

November 2024: Blocking promotion of General Chris Donahue

In November 2024, Markwayne Mullin blocked the promotion of Chris Donahue, a United States Army general who commanded the Afghanistan withdrawal operation and was the last international soldier to leave the country. Mullin lifted his hold a week later.

2024: Mullin's Assets Estimated

In 2024, Markwayne Mullin's assets were estimated between $29 and $97 million.

2024: Complaint Filed Against Mullin

In 2024, the Campaign Legal Center filed a complaint with the Senate Select Committee on Ethics alleging that Markwayne Mullin had not disclosed nine stock purchases in 2023. Mullin reported the purchases nearly a year later.

January 2025: Praise of U.S. federal deferred resignation program

In January 2025, Markwayne Mullin praised the U.S. federal deferred resignation program.

June 2025: Praise of U.S. strikes on Iranian nuclear sites

In June 2025, Markwayne Mullin praised U.S. strikes on Iranian nuclear sites as ending a "forever war" and strikes on alleged drug traffickers as "proactive", dismissing concerns that a follow-up strike in one operation may have constituted a war crime.

November 2025: Statement on Afghan refugees and Special Immigrant Visas

After the shooting of two West Virginia National Guardsmen in November 2025, Markwayne Mullin stated that Afghan refugees had been "dumped" into the United States on Special Immigrant Visas without sufficient federal programs to assist them.

December 2025: Mullin Invests in Over 30 Companies

In December 2025, Markwayne Mullin invested in over 30 companies in a transaction worth as much as $2.8 million, including shares in Chevron.

March 5, 2026: Trump Nominates Mullin as Secretary of Homeland Security

On March 5, 2026, President Donald Trump fired Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem and nominated Markwayne Mullin to succeed her.

March 2026: Mullin Owned 30 Businesses

According to Forbes, Markwayne Mullin owned thirty businesses by March 2026, either as a complete or partial owner.

March 2026: Reported Private Security Work

In March 2026, Axios reported that Markwayne Mullin had privately suggested to colleagues that he was involved in private security work for the U.S. government in the Middle East.

March 2026: Nominated as Secretary of Homeland Security

In March 2026, President Donald Trump nominated Markwayne Mullin to succeed Kristi Noem as Secretary of Homeland Security after firing her.

March 2026: Mullin Works on Proposal to End Shutdown

In March 2026, The New York Times reported that Markwayne Mullin had been working with New Jersey representative Josh Gottheimer on a proposal to end a shutdown affecting the Department of Homeland Security.