Stitt taps Alan Armstrong to fill Mullin's Senate seat

Oklahoma Governor Kevin Stitt appointed energy executive Alan Armstrong to fill the vacant U.S. Senate seat left by Markwayne Mullin.

Mullin resigned to become Homeland Security Secretary after being confirmed to the position.

National Post

Armstrong is chairman and former CEO of Tulsa-based Williams Companies, a major natural gas pipeline operator.

Stitt emphasized Armstrong's business leadership and alignment with conservative values.

The governor described Armstrong as someone who 'understands the power of free markets and limited government.'

Stitt noted that Armstrong's story 'reflects the very best of Oklahoma' and praised his work ethic.

The appointment process involved extensive consultation with national Republican leadership.

Stitt traveled to Washington D.C. and met with President Donald Trump, Senate leadership including John Thune.

NBC News

The governor later signaled his decision privately late the previous week.

Word spread quickly among political and Republican leadership circles.

Armstrong emerged as the leading candidate after several early contenders lost momentum.

Energy executive Harold Hamm was once viewed as a frontrunner but lost momentum.

Trump has already endorsed Rep. Kevin Hern, R-Okla., for the full Senate term.

Armstrong brings extensive experience from his nearly 40-year career with Williams Companies.

He served more than a decade as CEO before becoming chairman.

The 63-year-old executive holds a bachelor's degree in civil engineering from the University of Oklahoma.

He chairs the board at the OU Foundation.

His career has centered on expanding natural gas pipeline systems across the United States.

He has been involved in high-profile projects in the Northeast.

Regulatory challenges have slowed or blocked development in those projects.

Armstrong has resigned from his position with Williams Companies.

He signed an affidavit indicating he will not run for the seat in 2026, as required by Oklahoma law.

He also serves as executive chairman of the National Petroleum Council.

Armstrong's priorities in the Senate will focus on energy infrastructure and permitting reform.

He has identified 'meaningful permit reform' for all forms of energy as his top priority.

OU Daily

He argues the country is lagging in large-scale infrastructure growth due to federal permitting processes.

Armstrong plans to pursue energy infrastructure enhancements across the country.

He stated 'it's gotten very, very hard to build large-scale infrastructure.'

He believes this is 'critical to our country's competitiveness in the long term.'

He is ready to support a 'Republican agenda' but has not specified other policy positions.

Stitt stated Armstrong will use the office as public service rather than political opportunity.

Armstrong is expected to be sworn in quickly to begin legislative responsibilities.