Oklahoma Senator Markwayne Mullin, a staunch supporter of former President Trump and his choice to succeed Kristi Noem as Secretary of Homeland Security, once shared the story behind his distinctive first name during a candid interview over a decade ago.
Mullin, who transitioned from a career as a mixed martial artist to a political figure and is a father of six, was nominated by Trump following Noem’s removal from the position after a tumultuous Congressional hearing.
Born and raised in Tulsa, Mullin’s unique name, which combines two first names, has an origin that is as straightforward as it is heartfelt. It is a tribute to two of his uncles, a detail he revealed in a 2014 interview with Roll Call.
Mullin recounted the sentimental story: “My father was the youngest of eight siblings, and he had two brothers who never had sons. Being the youngest of seven in my family, I was named after both of them: Mark and Wayne.”
This thoughtful gesture by his parents brought joy to Mullin’s childhood, as his uncles often went out of their way to celebrate him with extra gifts on his birthdays, making him feel cherished within his large family.
Mullin was repaid tenfold as his beloved uncles showered him with extra gifts on his birthday. He praised the pair for finding ways to make him “feel special” in such a large family.
While Mullin’s last name is more stereotypically Irish, he hails from the Cherokee Nation.
He is notably the second-ever citizen from the Cherokee Nation to serve in the US Senate. The first was Robert Latham Owen, also from Oklahoma.
Before making his way into politics in 2012, Mullin had a brief stint in the MMA scene, where he was undefeated in all five matches he fought, and ran his family’s plumbing company.
He was elected to the US House of Representatives in 2012 and after about a decade representing Oklahoma’s 2nd Congressional District, he was elected to the Senate in 2022.
Mullin, a close Trump ally, shot up to virality about a year later when he challenged Teamsters President Sean O’Brien to a fight during a Senate hearing after the two had sparred on social media.
Mullin, who adopted three of his six children, is a staunch opponent of abortion in all circumstances — including in cases of rape, incest or when the mother’s life is at risk due to her pregnancy.
The Republican isn’t helming DHS just yet.
Trump wrote in his announcement that Noem will continue in her role through March 31. Mullin’s nomination must also be approved by Congress before he can take over.
