Oklahoma Representative Kevin Hern, a former McDonald's franchise owner endorsed by President Trump, has won his Republican primary and is poised to enter the U.S. Senate in November. Hern, 64, who previously owned 18 McDonald's franchises around Tulsa, built a significant fortune from his business ventures, with his most recent financial disclosure indicating a net worth of at least $110 million. He liquidated his franchise holdings by 2021.
Hern, who was first elected to the House in 2018, previously chaired the conservative Republican Study Committee. He has openly embraced his background, even responding to comparisons with Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez by noting in a 2018 op-ed for Fox News that the McDonald's franchise program allowed him to achieve his "American Dream." He has also been referred to as the "McCongressman" and the nickname "Big Mac."
His entrepreneurial experience, particularly his time in the fast-food industry, has been a recurring theme in his political career. During the House Republican efforts to select a new Speaker, Hern cited his nearly 35 years in the McDonald's business, emphasizing his customer-focused approach and ability to listen to people's opinions. He even provided cheeseburgers to Republican lawmakers in an attempt to gain support, though his bid for Speaker was unsuccessful.
President Trump has publicly supported Hern, endorsing him in March and stating he would be an "outstanding" senator who would "NEVER LET YOU DOWN!" Trump himself has a well-documented affinity for McDonald's, having worked a drive-thru shift in Pennsylvania during his 2024 campaign and reportedly ordering multiple Big Macs and Filet-O-Fishes. Hern has also shared his knowledge of Trump's McDonald's preferences.
The Cook Political Report ranks the seat Hern is running for as safely Republican. If he wins in November, he would join Rep. Chuck Edwards (R-NC), another McDonald's franchise owner, making fast-food-savvy lawmakers present in both chambers of Congress. Hern is seeking a full six-year term in the Senate, a tenure that would significantly extend his time in federal office compared to the remaining nine months of Sen. Markwayne Mullin's term, which was recently filled by energy executive Alan Armstrong. The Democratic runoff for the Senate seat is still underway, following the suspension of one candidate's campaign due to a sexting scandal.