Mullin is scheduled to appear before a Senate committee Wednesday for a confirmation hearing, and his approval appears all but certain. Republicans need a simple majority, and Democratic Senator John Fetterman of Pennsylvania has indicated that he’ll vote for Mullin. “John already texted me,” Mullin told reporters on the U.S. Capitol steps after Trump nominated him. “You guys know John and I are friends.” Trump has said March 31 will be Noem’s last day.