Markwayne Mullin (R-Okla.) expressed optimism that the ongoing federal government shutdown could be resolved this week, stating that he expects a reopening on Wednesday or Thursday after the upcoming elections. He argued that Democrats are looking for an “exit ramp” from the shutdown because of electoral concerns — notably races such as the New York City mayoral contest and gubernatorial elections in New Jersey and Virginia. He suggested those Democrats fear that acting before the election would make their base view them as “caving,” potentially hurting turnout.

Mullin also criticized Democratic leaders for leveraging the shutdown for political gain. He pointed to statements by Chuck Schumer and Bernie Sanders as evidence, saying they prioritize “leverage” over ending the pain on American families. In his view, the shutdown is less about policy and more about optics and political strategy.

On the broader context, the shutdown began on October 1, 2025, after the failure to pass a clean funding resolution, and it is now among the longest in U.S. history.  Meanwhile, other Senate leaders — including John Thune — have echoed cautious optimism that a reopening could come soon.

The key takeaway: Mullin is placing his bet on the idea that the electoral calendar will force a break in the deadlock, with Democrats feeling pressure to act after the elections rather than before them. Whether the projection for a Wednesday or Thursday resolution holds remains unclear, but the idea of an “exit ramp” is central to his argument.