As the federal government shutdown stretches into its second month, Oklahoma Republican Sen. Markwayne Mullin says he expects it to end soon — possibly within days.
Speaking with Fox News host Kellyanne Conway, Mullin suggested that Democrats are preparing to “open it back up” later this week, once major state and local elections conclude.
His remarks come amid growing economic pressure, warnings from labor leaders, and frustration from both parties as the budget impasse disrupts government services across the country.
Mullin’s Prediction: “An Exit Ramp” After Election Day
During his appearance on Sunday Night with Kellyanne Conway, Sen. Mullin said he believes Democrats are waiting until after Tuesday’s elections — including the New York City mayoral race and gubernatorial contests in New Jersey and Virginia — to end the standoff.
“They plan on opening it back up probably Wednesday or Thursday after the election,” Mullin said. “After they elect a communist in New York to be the mayor, after the New Jersey governor’s race, after the Virginia governor’s race — they’re going to look for an exit ramp because they know they’re losing.”
Mullin argued that Democratic leaders have recognized that the prolonged shutdown is politically risky. He cited internal discussions and polling — including data from CNN — suggesting that voters are growing weary of gridlock.
“Even CNN’s polls are showing this isn’t good for them,” Mullin said. “The American people have already been exposed to Democrats calling the shutdown a leverage point. They know it’s hurting families, and it’s time for an off-ramp.”
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A Political Chess Match Over Leverage
The shutdown, which began after lawmakers failed to pass a new spending bill, has become a high-stakes political battle.
Democrats have pushed for a short-term continuing resolution, or CR, while some Republicans have demanded deeper spending cuts and policy concessions before agreeing to reopen the government.
According to Mullin, key Democratic voices — including Sen. Chris Coons (D-DE) and Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-VT) — have privately acknowledged that the shutdown is politically uncomfortable but believe keeping it in place maintains negotiating leverage.
“They can’t open it back up because they lose leverage,” Mullin said. “But they also know they need to find an exit ramp.”
He predicted that Democrats will attempt to frame the eventual reopening as a bipartisan resolution, while also trying to shift public blame toward former President Donald Trump and congressional Republicans.
“They’re going to take the high road, spin it on President Trump and the GOP, and eventually reopen the government,” Mullin said. “Probably Thursday, midday.”
Impact on Voters and Key Races
The timing of the government shutdown’s potential end coincides with several major elections that could serve as political barometers for both parties.
Among them:
- New York City Mayoral Race — where state assemblyman Zohran Mamdani, a Democratic Socialist, is seeking to make history as the city’s first Muslim mayor.
- New Jersey Gubernatorial Election — considered a tight race, with polls showing a narrow margin between the incumbent Democrat and Republican challenger.
- Virginia Gubernatorial Election — often viewed as a bellwether for national political sentiment.
Mullin said Democrats don’t want to risk alienating their base ahead of these votes.
“If they reopen before Tuesday, their base might see it as caving,” he said. “That’s why everything’s being set up to open right after Election Day — maybe Wednesday night or Thursday.”
Labor Leaders Call for Immediate Resolution
While lawmakers continue to spar, the economic and social fallout from the shutdown is growing.
On Thursday, Teamsters President Sean O’Brien joined Vice President JD Vance and Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy outside the White House to call for an immediate reopening of the government.
“Pass a clean CR, get to the table, negotiate a deal,” O’Brien urged. “Do not put working people in the middle of a problem. They should not be in there.”
The Teamsters union represents 1.4 million members, many of whom work in industries directly affected by the shutdown — including transportation, logistics, and federal contracting.
O’Brien warned that continued inaction could harm both workers and the economy.
“Think about the families that are going to be affected,” he said. “When you can’t pay your mortgage or tuition, that’s not politics — that’s survival.”
Economic Consequences Mount
The shutdown has already caused significant disruption to federal services. SNAP benefits have been paused in several states, while air traffic control staffing has been stretched thin due to furloughs.
Economists warn that each week of closure costs billions of dollars in lost productivity and delayed payments.
Airline industry groups have cautioned that prolonged instability could impact holiday travel, while federal contractors and small businesses dependent on government projects face mounting uncertainty.
Growing Pressure on Congress
Behind the scenes, negotiators from both parties are reportedly working on a short-term solution to fund the government while broader budget discussions continue.
According to several congressional aides, moderate senators have been pushing leadership to consider a “clean” continuing resolution that would keep agencies funded through early next year.
Still, both sides remain divided on key spending priorities, including border security funding, Ukraine aid, and social welfare programs.
Political analyst Dr. Caroline Fisher said the ongoing impasse reflects deeper polarization in Washington.
“Shutdowns are rarely about the budget itself — they’re about control of the narrative,” Fisher said. “Each party wants to emerge as the side that ‘stood firm’ for its principles.”
Looking Ahead
Sen. Mullin’s prediction adds to speculation that the shutdown could be resolved within days — though similar predictions in past weeks have failed to materialize.
Whether his timeline proves accurate will depend on political calculations after Tuesday’s election results.
If Democrats perform strongly, they may feel emboldened to hold out longer. But if the results show voter frustration with the shutdown, pressure to reopen the government could become overwhelming.
For now, millions of federal workers and contractors remain caught in the middle — waiting for Washington to find its “exit ramp.”
Emily Johnson is a critically acclaimed essayist and novelist known for her thought-provoking works centered on feminism, women’s rights, and modern relationships. Born and raised in Portland, Oregon, Emily grew up with a deep love of books, often spending her afternoons at her local library. She went on to study literature and gender studies at UCLA, where she became deeply involved in activism and began publishing essays in campus journals. Her debut essay collection, Voices Unbound, struck a chord with readers nationwide for its fearless exploration of gender dynamics, identity, and the challenges faced by women in contemporary society. Emily later transitioned into fiction, writing novels that balance compelling storytelling with social commentary. Her protagonists are often strong, multidimensional women navigating love, ambition, and the struggles of everyday life, making her a favorite among readers who crave authentic, relatable narratives. Critics praise her ability to merge personal intimacy with universal themes. Off the page, Emily is an advocate for women in publishing, leading workshops that encourage young female writers to embrace their voices. She lives in Seattle with her partner and two rescue cats, where she continues to write, teach, and inspire a new generation of storytellers.
