Inhofe's chief of staff jumps into race to replace the retiring Oklahoma GOP senator

The longtime aide and chief of staff to Oklahoma GOP Sen. James Inhofe has thrown his hat in the ring to succeed his boss when he retires after the 2022 midterm.

Inhofe, 87, on Friday backed the effort by aide Luke Holland, saying he is "without question" the best choice to replace him when he steps down.

Inhofe won election in 2022, but will step away from office sooner than expected.

"As a fourth generation Oklahoman, I know America is the greatest country in the world," Holland's writes on his campaign website, which he launched almost immediately after reports Thursday about Inhofe's retirement. 

"It’s a gift from God, and that’s why we must do everything we can to stop the march toward socialism, stand up to China, and get President Trump’s agenda back on track."

The site also touts Inhofe's support for Holland, who has worked in the senator's office for close to 13 years and became chief of staff in 2017.

Inhofe serves as the top Republicans on the Senate Armed Services Committee and had led a number of other committees since taking office in 1994.

Inhofe says he will campaign for Holland ahead of the June 28 primary, which will likely draw out a number of competitors including, potentially, Oklahoma GOP Rep. Markwayne Mullin.