What is the candy desk? Mullin’s Senate seat offers sweet spot amid reconciliation battle

Published June 2, 2025 5:47pm ET



The Senate is gearing up to vote on President Donald Trump’s “big, beautiful bill”, during which Sen. Markwayne Mullin’s (R-OK) desk will likely come to the aid of those needing a treat.

Mullin was assigned the historic candy desk in January at the start of the 119th Congress, though the tradition of the desk dates back to 1965 when former Sen. George Murphy (R-CA) would hide candy in his desk. Murphy eventually invited his Senate colleagues to help themselves to his stash, leading to them offering to help restock the desk with their own candy. 

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