Kevin Hern wins Oklahoma GOP Senate primary race

U.S. Rep. Kevin Hern has won the Republican nomination for Oklahoma’s U.S. Senate seat, with early results showing him leading his three opponents—Gary 'Ty' England, Nick Hankins, and Brian Ragain—by a significant margin. Decision Desk HQ and NBC News called the race in Hern’s favor around 8:40 p.m. local time, confirming his victory in the June 16 primary. Hern, 64, entered the race after President Donald Trump endorsed him in March, positioning him as the frontrunner. His campaign focused on expanding tax cuts, strengthening border security, reducing federal spending, and imposing congressional term limits. Hern, a businessman who previously owned McDonald’s franchises, has raised nearly $1.4 million, outpacing his competitors in fundraising. The Democratic primary saw N’Kiyla Jasmine Thomas and Jim Priest leading early returns. Thomas, a 31-year-old nurse and Chickasaw Nation citizen, campaigned on healthcare access, reproductive rights, and LGBTQ+ advocacy, raising $45,000. Priest, an Oklahoma City attorney, emphasized family finances and government trust, with over $213,000 in contributions. Other Republican candidates included England, a musician and former Garth Brooks guitarist, who campaigned on gun rights and abortion restrictions but raised only $2,200. Hankins, a business intelligence developer, and Ragain, an emergency responder, focused on government accountability and veterans’ services, raising $2,200 and $27,000 respectively. Hern’s path to the Senate cleared after Trump appointed Sen. Markwayne Mullin to lead the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, creating an open seat. The general election will now determine whether Hern or the Democratic nominee will represent Oklahoma in the Senate.