Trump cabinet secretary joins president in backing former House speaker’s statewide bid
OKLAHOMA CITY — U.S. Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin has endorsed former Oklahoma House Speaker T.W. Shannon in the 2026 race for lieutenant governor, giving Shannon the support of both President Donald Trump and one of Oklahoma’s most prominent Republican officeholders.
Mullin, who previously represented Oklahoma’s 2nd Congressional District in Congress and later served in the U.S. Senate, praised Shannon’s conservative record and leadership.
“T.W. Shannon is a strong, America First patriot who stands for conservative values and pro-business policy,” Mullin said in a statement released by Shannon’s campaign. “I am proud to vote for him for lieutenant governor, and I hope my fellow Oklahomans will join me.”
Shannon said he was honored to receive Mullin’s endorsement.
“I am incredibly honored to have the endorsement of my friend Markwayne Mullin,” Shannon said. “I am extremely proud to have his support as I run for lieutenant governor.”
The endorsement follows Trump’s backing of Shannon shortly after he entered the race. According to the campaign, Shannon has also received endorsements from Tulsa FirePAC and the Associated General Contractors of Oklahoma.
Shannon served as speaker of the Oklahoma House from 2013 to 2014 and is seeking the Republican nomination for lieutenant governor in 2026.
