Kevin Hern

Kevin Hern is an American politician and businessman currently serving as the U.S. Representative for Oklahoma's 1st congressional district. A member of the Republican Party, Hern has held this position since 2018 and is expected to serve until at least January 3, 2027. Over his tenure, he has been involved in various legislative activities and has gained recognition within the party, notably becoming the chair of the Republican Study Committee in 2023.

Early life and career

Kevin Hern was born on December 4, 1961, at an Air Force base in western Missouri. Following his parents' separation, he moved to Pope County, Arkansas, with his mother, Freda Flansburg, and his younger brother. Hern completed his secondary education at Dover High School in 1980 and subsequently attended Arkansas Tech University, where he graduated in 1986. He briefly pursued further education at the Georgia Institute of Technology, aiming for a PhD in astronautical engineering. However, he left the program without completing his degree after the Challenger disaster in 1986, which had a profound impact on him.

In 1999, Hern earned a Master of Business Administration (MBA) from the University of Arkansas at Little Rock. His career began in the fast-food industry, where he joined McDonald's in 1987. He quickly rose through the ranks, becoming an operations manager for several franchises in the Little Rock area. In 1997, Hern purchased his first McDonald's franchise in North Little Rock, and after selling it in 1999, he relocated to Muskogee, Oklahoma, where he acquired two additional franchises. Over time, he expanded his business significantly, ultimately owning 18 McDonald's franchises in the Tulsa metropolitan area.

In addition to his restaurant ventures, Hern has engaged in various business enterprises, including a hog farm, a community bank, and several publications focused on high school sports. By 2019, he was involved in a company that manufactured decor and furniture for major U.S. fast-food chains. His business acumen has positioned him as one of the wealthiest congressmen from Oklahoma, with reported assets ranging from $36 million to $110 million in 2023.

House tenure

Hern's political career began when he ran for the U.S. House of Representatives in 2018, following the resignation of Jim Bridenstine, who left to become the administrator of NASA. Hern successfully advanced through the Republican primary runoff, defeating Tulsa County District Attorney Tim Harris. He then moved on to the general election, where he faced Democratic nominee Tim Gilpin. Hern won the election and was subsequently appointed by outgoing Governor Mary Fallin to serve the remainder of Bridenstine's term, officially being sworn into the House on November 13, 2018.

In the subsequent elections, Hern maintained his position in Congress. In 2020, he defeated Democratic nominee Kojo Asamoa-Caesar and Independent candidate Evelyn L. Rogers. Hern continued his electoral success in 2022, overcoming Democratic nominee Adam Martin and Independent Evelyn L. Rogers once again. In 2024, he sought a fourth term and faced a primary challenge from Paul Royse, winning the primary with a significant majority of the vote. He then proceeded to the general election against Democratic nominee Dennis Baker and independent candidate Mark Sanders.

Throughout his tenure, Hern has been involved in various legislative actions. In December 2020, he was one of 126 Republican House members who signed an amicus brief supporting a lawsuit contesting the results of the 2020 presidential election. This lawsuit was filed in the Supreme Court by the state of Texas but was ultimately declined by the Court.

Legislative focus and committees

As a member of the U.S. House of Representatives, Hern has focused on several key issues and has served on various committees. His legislative priorities have included economic policies, business regulations, and fiscal responsibility. Notably, Hern has been a vocal advocate for balanced budgets and has expressed opposition to deficit spending. His business background informs his perspectives on economic matters, particularly regarding the impact of government policies on small businesses and franchises.

In 2023, Hern was appointed as the chair of the Republican Study Committee, a group of conservative Republicans in the House. This position allows him to play a significant role in shaping the party's legislative agenda and strategy. His leadership in this committee reflects his commitment to conservative principles and his influence within the Republican Party.

Hern's business experience has also led him to engage in discussions surrounding economic aid programs. During the COVID-19 pandemic, his company received federal loans through the Paycheck Protection Program, which aimed to support businesses affected by the pandemic. Hern has argued that such programs are necessary for the recovery of American businesses and workers, framing them as repayments for government actions that have impacted the economy.

In addition to his legislative work, Hern has been active in discussions about the future of the Republican Party and its leadership. He was nominated as a protest candidate during the election for Speaker of the House in January 2023, reflecting his willingness to challenge the status quo within the party. Following the removal of Kevin McCarthy as Speaker, Hern was briefly considered as a candidate to replace him in the October 2023 elections.

As Hern continues his service in the House, he has also expressed interest in a potential run for the U.S. Senate in 2026, following the resignation of Senator Markwayne Mullin. This ambition indicates Hern's ongoing commitment to public service and his desire to expand his influence within the federal government. His career thus far illustrates a blend of business acumen and political engagement, positioning him as a notable figure in Oklahoma's political landscape.