Markwayne Mullin Bio: From Plumbing Apprentice to Cherokee Senator – Business Empire, Political Journey, and Tribal Controversies

Markwayne Mullin has carved a unique path in American politics as the first Cherokee Nation citizen to serve in the U.S. Senate in nearly a century, transforming from a college dropout who saved his family’s plumbing business to a conservative power broker navigating complex tribal politics. His journey from Westville, Oklahoma, to Capitol Hill embodies both entrepreneurial success and persistent controversy over his Native American identity, business practices, and political allegiances in 2026.

Quick Facts

Early Life & Education

Markwayne Mullin was born on July 26, 1977, in Tulsa, Oklahoma, the youngest of seven children to Jim Martin Mullin and Brenda Gayle Morris Mullin . His unique first name combines the names of two uncles, Mark and Wayne . The family lived in Westville, a small town in Adair County on the Arkansas border, where young Markwayne learned the values of hard work and entrepreneurship from an early age .

Growing up on the family ranch in Westville, Mullin was immersed in Cherokee culture and the agricultural lifestyle that would shape his future identity. As an enrolled citizen of Cherokee Nation, he represents a direct connection to one of Oklahoma’s most significant tribal communities .

Mullin attended Stilwell High School in nearby Stilwell, Oklahoma, graduating before pursuing higher education . In 1996, he enrolled at Missouri Valley College in Marshall, Missouri, on a wrestling scholarship—a sport that would remain central to his identity throughout his life .

However, his college trajectory was dramatically interrupted. At age 20 in 1997, Mullin’s father Jim fell seriously ill, threatening the family business, Mullin Plumbing . With the company facing $500,000 in debt and employing only six people, Mullin made the fateful decision to postpone his studies and wrestling career to save the business .

Working alongside his recent bride Christie, whom he had married after meeting her in high school, Mullin spent the next three years turning around the struggling plumbing company . This experience—transforming a failing family business into a regional powerhouse—would become the foundation of his political narrative.

After stabilizing the business, Mullin returned to education, completing his Associate of Applied Science degree in Construction Technology from Oklahoma State University Institute of Technology in Okmulgee in 2010 . Notably, he is the only current U.S. Senator without a bachelor’s degree . In 2018, Bacone College awarded him an honorary doctorate .

Business Career

Mullin Plumbing and Empire Expansion

When Mullin took over Mullin Plumbing at age 20, the company was in dire straits—$500,000 in debt with just six employees . Through aggressive expansion and hands-on management, he transformed it into the largest service company in the region, employing over 150 workers by the time he entered Congress .

The Mullin business empire eventually extended far beyond plumbing:

• Mullin Plumbing – Core plumbing services (sold plumbing-related companies in 2021)
• Mullin Environmental – Environmental services division
• Mullin Plumbing West Division – Expanded geographic operations
• Mullin Services – Diversified home services
• Mullin Properties – Real estate investments
• Mullin Farms – Agricultural operations
• Rowan’s Steakhouse – Restaurant in Stilwell, named for Christie’s family

This diversification demonstrated Mullin’s entrepreneurial acumen and provided the financial foundation for his political ambitions. By the time he ran for Congress in 2012, he was one of the wealthiest candidates in Oklahoma history, capable of self-funding significant portions of his campaigns.

Oklahoma Fight Club

Beyond traditional business, Mullin pursued his passion for combat sports by establishing the Oklahoma Fight Club in Broken Arrow—a training center for jujitsu and mixed martial arts . This venture connected his wrestling background with his business interests, though it also generated controversy during his 2012 campaign when Democrats alleged he omitted this association from personal financial disclosures .

Business Controversies

Mullin’s business career has not been without legal issues. During his 2012 congressional campaign, federal agents raided Mullin Plumbing based on a tip from an employee. They discovered a stocked gun safe belonging to Tim Saylor, a convicted felon employed by the company, who ultimately pleaded guilty to firearm possession .

Mullin admitted he had not performed a background check on Saylor, who had worked for a company Mullin acquired, and acknowledged shooting guns with him . Democrats also alleged Mullin had illegally purchased a gun for Saylor, which he denied. Additionally, questions arose about whether his plumbing company’s commercials provided improper free advertising for his congressional campaign—prompting an agreement to cease appearing in commercials before the election .

Political Career

U.S. House of Representatives (2013-2023)

Mullin launched his political career in 2012, running for Oklahoma’s 2nd Congressional District—a seat held by four-term Democrat Dan Boren, who chose not to seek reelection . The district, historically known as “Little Dixie” for its Democratic heritage, was trending Republican, and Mullin capitalized on discontent with the Obama administration .

2012 Election:
In a crowded Republican primary, Mullin faced George Faught, Dakota Wood, Dustin Rowe, Wayne Pettigrew, and Dwayne Thompson . He finished first with 42% of the vote, then defeated Faught 57%-43% in the runoff . In the general election, he beat Democratic former Assistant U.S. Attorney Rob Wallace and Independent Michael Fulks, becoming the first Republican to hold the seat in generations .

His campaign platform focused on conservative principles: opposition to the Affordable Care Act, criticism of excess government spending, and resistance to federal overregulation . He received crucial support from Republican Senator Tom Coburn .

Tenure and Committee Assignments:
Mullin served five terms in the House (January 3, 2013 – January 3, 2023), becoming a reliable conservative vote while building seniority on key committees:

• Transportation and Infrastructure Committee – Three subcommittees
• Natural Resources Committee – Two subcommittees
• House Energy Action Team – Member
• House Small Business Committee – Vice Chairman (115th Congress)

Key House Votes and Actions:

• 2013 Government Shutdown: Voted for the stopgap spending bill that would have delayed the ACA individual mandate; voted against the final bill to reopen government and lift the debt limit . Donated his pay earned during the shutdown .
• NDAA 2014: Supported the National Defense Authorization Act
• CISPA 2013: Voted for cybersecurity information sharing bill
• Trade Promotion Authority 2015: Supported fast-track trade authority
• Violence Against Women Act 2013: Voted against renewal due to disagreements with LGBTQ provisions

January 6, 2021:
Mullin was present in the Capitol during the January 6 attack. He defended the Capitol Police’s response, stating that Lieutenant Michael Byrd “didn’t have a choice” when shooting Ashli Babbitt, and that Byrd was “a hero” who “saved my life” .

Afghanistan Evacuation Efforts:
In August 2021, Mullin attempted an unauthorized mission to rescue American citizens and Afghan allies following the U.S. withdrawal. He traveled to Tajikistan and then Afghanistan without official backing, carrying large amounts of cash to negotiate with the Taliban . The State Department warned him against entering Afghanistan, and he was stopped at the Kabul airport by U.S. embassy officials who refused to allow him entry with cash . He eventually left through Dubai, claiming he had helped evacuate people, though the unauthorized nature of the mission drew criticism .

U.S. Senate Career (2023-Present)

2022 Special Election:
When longtime Senator Jim Inhofe announced his resignation effective January 2023, Mullin ran for the seat in a special election to complete the remainder of Inhofe’s term . He won the Republican primary and defeated Democratic nominee Kendra Horn in the November 8, 2022 general election .

Mullin was sworn into the U.S. Senate on January 3, 2023, making history as the first Cherokee Nation citizen to serve in the chamber since Robert Latham Owen retired in 1925—nearly a century prior . He is only the second Cherokee Nation citizen ever to serve in the Senate .

Committee Assignments:
Mullin serves on four influential Senate committees:

• Senate Armed Services Committee – Overseeing military operations and defense policy
• Senate Appropriations Committee – Controlling federal spending allocations
• Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions (HELP) Committee – Addressing healthcare, education, and worker protections
• Senate Indian Affairs Committee – Handling tribal issues and federal Indian policy

Senate Voting Record:
From January 2023 to February 2026, Mullin missed 78 of 1,360 roll call votes (5.7%)—significantly worse than the Senate median of 2.9% . His voting record reflects consistent conservative positions:

• Labor Rights: Voted against confirming Lauren McFerran as NLRB Chair; supported overturning pro-worker joint employer rules
• Reproductive Rights: Voted against the Right to Contraception Act
• Social Security: Supported the Social Security Fairness Act ensuring public sector workers receive earned benefits
• Environmental Policy: Consistently voted against climate investments, environmental funding, and conservation measures
• Electoral Certification: Voted to certify Arizona and Pennsylvania electoral votes in 2021

Notable Senate Actions:

• 2023 Teamsters Confrontation: During a Senate hearing, Mullin engaged in a heated exchange with Teamsters President Sean O’Brien, challenging him to a physical fight before being separated by Senator bernie sanders
• 2025 “Big Beautiful Bill”: Supported major Republican legislative package
• Lumbee Recognition: Broke with some Oklahoma tribal leaders to support federal recognition for the Lumbee Tribe, stating, “I do believe they’re Native… I can’t control who my ancestors loved”

Personal Life

Markwayne Mullin married his high school sweetheart, Christie Renee Rowan, and they have been married for 28 years . Together they have six children: Jayce, Jim, Andrew, Larra, Ivy, and Lynette . The family includes twin girls adopted in August 2013 .

The Mullins reside on their working cow-calf ranch in Westville, Oklahoma, where they continue the agricultural traditions Markwayne learned in childhood . Christie has been integral to the family business empire, co-founding enterprises including Rowan’s Steakhouse, named for her family .

Philanthropy:
The Mullin family has donated millions to Oklahoma causes, including $4.2 million to support the neonatal intensive care unit at Bozeman Health Deaconess and $500,000 to the Montana Historical Society . They have also supported establishing Montana’s first Level I Trauma Center and various pediatric healthcare improvements .

Athletic Pursuits:
Mullin is a former undefeated professional Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) fighter with a 5-0 record . He was inducted into the Oklahoma Wrestling Hall of Fame in 2016 and continues coaching his children and other young athletes in wrestling tournaments across the country on weekends .

Media Presence:
Before entering Congress, Mullin hosted a radio show called House Talk focused on home improvement, leveraging his plumbing expertise .

Controversies and Criticisms

Native American Identity and “Voluntary Walk” Comments

Mullin’s Cherokee heritage has been both a political asset and source of controversy. In 2018, during Senator Elizabeth Warren’s DNA test controversy, Mullin appeared on Fox News and made comments about the Trail of Tears that sparked outrage .

Referring to his ancestors who left before forced removal, Mullin called it “the volunteer walk,” explaining, “I use that as a loosely term” . While some Cherokee ancestors did leave before the 1838-1839 forced removal (known as “Old Settlers”), the terminology minimized the genocide experienced by the 16,000 Cherokee forcibly marched west, of whom 4,000 died .

Mullin later expressed regret for not being more precise with his language but stood by the use of the phrase . The incident highlighted tensions within Cherokee communities about Mullin’s cultural connection—some viewing him as invoking citizenship only for political gain, similar to criticisms of Oklahoma Governor Kevin Stitt, another Republican Cherokee citizen .

United Keetoowah Band Sovereignty Threat

In August 2025, Mullin faced severe criticism from the United Keetoowah Band of Cherokee Indians (UKB) for drafting secret legislative language at the behest of Cherokee Nation of Oklahoma that would terminate the UKB’s trust land rights and economic development authority .

The UKB called the provision “a deliberate, targeted act of tribal termination,” stating it “represents a full-scale assault on the sovereignty, identity, and legal status of the UKB” . Chief Jeff Wacoche described it as “genocide by redline… carried out not with muskets or manifest destiny, but with a secret pen in a Senate office” .

The controversy pitted Mullin against one of the three federally recognized Cherokee tribes, raising questions about his representation of broader Cherokee interests versus allegiance to Cherokee Nation’s political agenda.

Business Practice Scrutiny

Throughout his political career, Mullin has faced questions about business practices:

• 2012 Gun Raid: Federal agents raided Mullin Plumbing discovering a convicted felon employee’s firearm; Mullin admitted no background check was performed
• Campaign Finance: Allegations of using business commercials for political advertising
• Financial Disclosures: Questions about omissions regarding Oklahoma Fight Club ownership

Unauthorized Afghanistan Mission

Mullin’s August 2021 attempt to conduct an unauthorized rescue mission in Afghanistan—carrying cash to negotiate with Taliban officials—drew bipartisan criticism for circumventing official channels and potentially endangering diplomatic efforts . The State Department explicitly warned him against the trip, and U.S. embassy officials stopped him at Kabul airport .

January 6 and Ashli Babbitt Comments

While defending Capitol Police Lieutenant Michael Byrd for shooting Ashli Babbitt during the January 6 insurrection, Mullin’s characterization of Byrd as a “hero” who “saved my life” generated backlash from conservative circles sympathetic to Babbitt .

Awards & Achievements

Political Historic Milestones:

• First Cherokee Nation citizen to serve in U.S. Senate since 1925
• Second Cherokee Nation citizen ever to serve in U.S. Senate (after Robert Latham Owen)
• First Native American U.S. Senator since 2005

Athletic Honors:

• Oklahoma Wrestling Hall of Fame Inductee (2016)
• Undefeated professional MMA record (5-0)

Educational Recognition:

• Honorary Doctorate from Bacone College (2018)

Business Recognition:

• Built Mullin Plumbing from $500,000 debt/6 employees to 150+ employee regional leader

Legislative Achievements:

• Five-term U.S. Representative (2013-2023)
• Current U.S. Senator (2023-present)
• Committee leadership positions in both House and Senate

Physical Statistics

Quotes

On His Cherokee Heritage:
“I can’t control who my ancestors loved.”

On the Trail of Tears (2018):
“I use that as a loosely term” [referring to “volunteer walk”]

On Lieutenant Michael Byrd (January 6):
“He didn’t have a choice… He’s a hero… He saved my life.”

On His Afghanistan Mission:
Defended unauthorized trip as necessary to rescue Americans and allies

On Lumbee Tribe Recognition:
“I do believe they’re Native… I’ve been accused of not being Native, and I always laugh.”

Favorites

Earnings and Net Worth

As of 2024-2025, Markwayne Mullin’s estimated net worth ranges between $10-50 million, placing him among the wealthier members of the U.S. Senate.

Income Sources:

• Mullin Plumbing and affiliated companies – Regional plumbing empire generating millions in annual revenue
• Mullin Environmental – Environmental services division
• Real estate holdings – Through Mullin Properties
• Agricultural operations – Working cow-calf ranch
• Restaurant business – Rowan’s Steakhouse
• Congressional salary – $174,000 annually (Senator)

Business Value:
At its peak before partial divestiture in 2021, Mullin Plumbing employed over 150 people and was the largest service company in the region . The company’s growth from $500,000 debt to multi-million dollar enterprise represents the foundation of Mullin’s wealth.

Political Financial Advantage:
Mullin’s business success allowed him to self-fund significant portions of his 2012 and 2022 campaigns, reducing dependence on outside donors and providing electoral advantages.

Interesting Facts

1. Only Senator Without Bachelor’s Degree: Mullin is currently the only U.S. Senator who does not hold a bachelor’s degree, having completed only an Associate degree .
2. First Cherokee Senator in 98 Years: When sworn in January 2023, he became the first Cherokee Nation citizen in the Senate since Robert Latham Owen left office in 1925 .
3. Undefeated MMA Fighter: Mullin retired from professional MMA with a perfect 5-0 record and was inducted into the Oklahoma Wrestling Hall of Fame .
4. Wrestling Scholarship: He attended Missouri Valley College on a wrestling scholarship before leaving to save the family business .
5. High School Sweethearts: He and wife Christie met in high school and have been married for 28 years .
6. Six Children: The Mullins have six children, including twin girls adopted in 2013 .
7. Radio Show Host: Before Congress, he hosted House Talk, a home improvement radio program .
8. Afghanistan Cash Mission: Attempted to enter Afghanistan with large amounts of cash to negotiate with Taliban for evacuations .
9. Teamsters Fight Challenge: In 2023, he challenged Teamsters President Sean O’Brien to a physical fight during a Senate hearing .
10. Secret Tribal Termination Language: Accused of drafting legislation to terminate United Keetoowah Band sovereignty at Cherokee Nation’s request .

Did You Know Already?

• Markwayne Mullin’s first name is a combination of his two uncles’ names, Mark and Wayne .
• He took over his father’s plumbing business at age 20 when it was $500,000 in debt and had only 6 employees, turning it into a 150+ employee regional leader .
• Mullin is an enrolled citizen of Cherokee Nation, one of only two Cherokee citizens ever to serve in the U.S. Senate .
• He voted against renewing the Violence Against Women Act in 2013 because of its LGBTQ provisions .
• During his 2012 campaign, federal agents raided his plumbing business and found a gun belonging to a convicted felon employee; Mullin admitted he hadn’t performed a background check .
• He called the Trail of Tears “the volunteer walk” on Fox News in 2018, later expressing regret for the imprecise language .
• Mullin attempted an unauthorized rescue mission to Afghanistan in August 2021, carrying cash to negotiate with Taliban officials .
• In 2023, he challenged the Teamsters Union president to a physical fight during a Senate hearing before being separated by Bernie Sanders .
• He is the only current U.S. Senator without a bachelor’s degree .
• In 2025, he was accused of secretly drafting legislation to terminate another Cherokee tribe’s sovereignty at the request of Cherokee Nation .

Social Media Links

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Frequently Asked Questions

How did Markwayne Mullin make his money?
Markwayne Mullin built his wealth through Mullin Plumbing, the family business he took over at age 20 when his father fell ill. He transformed the company from $500,000 in debt with 6 employees into the region’s largest plumbing service company with over 150 workers. He expanded into environmental services, real estate, agriculture, and restaurants, creating a multi-million dollar business empire before entering politics .

Is Markwayne Mullin really Native American?
Yes. Markwayne Mullin is an enrolled citizen of Cherokee Nation, one of the largest federally recognized tribes in the United States. He is the first Cherokee Nation citizen to serve in the U.S. Senate since 1925 and only the second ever. However, his comments referring to the Trail of Tears as “the volunteer walk” and his involvement in tribal sovereignty disputes have generated criticism from some Native American leaders and tribal members .

What committees does Markwayne Mullin serve on?
Mullin serves on four Senate committees: Armed Services; Appropriations; Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions (HELP); and Indian Affairs. These assignments reflect his military interests, business background, and status as a Cherokee Nation citizen .

Why is Markwayne Mullin controversial?
Mullin has faced multiple controversies: (1) referring to the Trail of Tears as “the volunteer walk” on Fox News, (2) attempting an unauthorized Afghanistan rescue mission with cash to negotiate with Taliban, (3) challenging the Teamsters president to a physical fight in a Senate hearing, (4) business raids involving firearms and employee background check failures, (5) voting against Violence Against Women Act reauthorization due to LGBTQ provisions, and (6) secretly drafting legislation to terminate United Keetoowah Band sovereignty at Cherokee Nation’s request .

What is Markwayne Mullin’s education?
Mullin attended Missouri Valley College on a wrestling scholarship but left at age 20 to save the family business. He later earned an Associate of Applied Science in Construction Technology from Oklahoma State University Institute of Technology in 2010, making him the only current U.S. Senator without a bachelor’s degree. He received an honorary doctorate from Bacone College in 2018 .

Conclusion

Markwayne Mullin represents a unique archetype in American politics—the tribal citizen who built a business empire from near-bankruptcy, transitioned to national office, and now navigates the complex intersection of conservative Republican politics and Native American sovereignty. His journey from a $500,000 debt plumbing company to the U.S. Senate embodies both entrepreneurial triumph and the ongoing tensions of tribal identity in modern politics.

As the first Cherokee Senator in nearly a century, Mullin carries historical significance that extends beyond his policy positions. Yet his tenure has been marked by persistent controversy over his representation of Cherokee interests, his comments about the Trail of Tears, and his involvement in inter-tribal disputes that pit Cherokee Nation against other federally recognized Cherokee groups.

His voting record reflects consistent conservative principles—opposition to abortion access, support for business interests, skepticism of environmental regulation, and traditional Republican foreign policy—while his committee assignments on Indian Affairs provide potential influence over federal tribal policy. Whether he can navigate these competing pressures while maintaining credibility both within his party and among Native American communities remains the central challenge of his Senate career.

Mullin’s story illustrates both the progress of Native American representation in federal office and the complexities of tribal citizenship in partisan politics. As he continues his service, his legacy will likely be defined by how effectively he balances these competing identities and obligations.

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