Biography
Markwayne Mullin, born on July 26, 1977, in Tulsa, Oklahoma, is a Republican politician serving as the junior United States Senator from Oklahoma since January 3, 2023. He is the first Native American to serve in the U.S. Senate in nearly two decades and the second Cherokee Nation citizen to hold this position. Prior to his Senate tenure, Mullin represented Oklahoma's 2nd congressional district in the U.S. House of Representatives from 2013 to 2023.
Raised on his family's ranch in Westville, Oklahoma, Mullin is a successful business owner and working cow-calf rancher. He and his wife, Christie, have been married for over 27 years and have six children: Jayce, Jim, Andrew, Larra, Ivy, and Lynette.
Education and Political Experience
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Education:
- Attended Missouri Valley College on a wrestling scholarship.
- Earned an Associate of Applied Science in Construction Technology from Oklahoma State University Institute of Technology in 2010.
- Received an honorary doctorate from Bacone College in 2018.
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Political Experience:
- Elected to the U.S. House of Representatives in 2012, serving Oklahoma's 2nd congressional district from 2013 to 2023.
- Served on the House Energy and Commerce Committee, focusing on energy, environmental policy, healthcare, commerce, and manufacturing.
- Elected to the U.S. Senate in 2022, succeeding Senator Jim Inhofe.
- Serves on the Senate Armed Services Committee; the Environment and Public Works Committee; the Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions Committee; and the Indian Affairs Committee.
Notable Achievements and Positions
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Business Ventures:
- Took over the family business, Mullin Plumbing, at age 20, expanding it into the largest service company in the region.
- Founded several other successful companies, including Mullin Environmental and Rowan’s Steakhouse.
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Athletic Involvement:
- Former undefeated Mixed Martial Arts fighter with a professional record of 5-0.
- Inducted into the Oklahoma Wrestling Hall of Fame in 2016.
- Actively coaches his children and other young athletes in wrestling tournaments nationwide.
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Legislative Initiatives:
- Co-chair of the Congressional Automotive Performance and Motorsports Caucus, advocating for automotive enthusiasts and the specialty automotive aftermarket industry.
- Introduced the "Protect Women's Sports Act" in 2020, aiming to define Title IX protections based on biological sex.
Senator Mullin's diverse background as a businessman, athlete, and legislator informs his approach to policy, emphasizing small business advocacy, energy independence, and support for Native American communities.
