Oklahoma Governor Appoints Energy Executive to Fill US Senate Seat

Alan Armstrong, chairman of Williams Companies, will serve out the remainder of Markwayne Mullin's term.

Mar. 24, 2026 at 7:18pm

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Oklahoma Governor Kevin Stitt has appointed energy executive Alan Armstrong to fill the U.S. Senate seat vacated by Markwayne Mullin, who was recently confirmed as the new Homeland Security Secretary. Armstrong, the chairman and former CEO of pipeline operator Williams Companies, will serve out the remainder of Mullin's term through the end of the year.

Why it matters

The appointment of a business leader like Armstrong to the Senate seat reflects the governor's pledge to appoint a 'conservative voice' to the position. Armstrong's background in the energy industry could also prove valuable as the U.S. navigates global oil market disruptions stemming from the ongoing Iran conflict.

The details

Armstrong, who has never held elected office, was selected by Governor Stitt to finish Mullin's term. Under Oklahoma law, Armstrong is not allowed to run for a full term in the November election, paving the way for Republican Congressman Kevin Hern to enter the race with the endorsement of former President Trump.

  • On March 24, 2026, Governor Stitt appointed Alan Armstrong to the U.S. Senate seat.
  • Markwayne Mullin was confirmed as the new Homeland Security Secretary on Monday.

The players

Kevin Stitt

The Republican governor of Oklahoma who appointed Alan Armstrong to the U.S. Senate seat.

Alan Armstrong

The chairman and former CEO of Williams Companies, a major pipeline operator, who was appointed by Governor Stitt to fill the U.S. Senate seat.

Markwayne Mullin

The Republican U.S. Senator from Oklahoma who was recently confirmed as the new Homeland Security Secretary.

Kevin Hern

The Republican U.S. Congressman who quickly announced his candidacy for the U.S. Senate seat and has been endorsed by former President Trump.

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What they’re saying

“He's a strong business leader who understands the power of free markets and limited government.”

— Kevin Stitt, Governor of Oklahoma

“The truth is, it's gotten very, very hard to build large-scale infrastructure, and it is so critical to our country's competitiveness in the long term.”

— Alan Armstrong

“Those gentlemen know how hard I've been working to get permitting reform done, so he (Trump) was very welcoming and highly supportive. It was a very interesting meeting.”

— Alan Armstrong

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

The appointment of a business leader like Armstrong to the Senate seat reflects the governor's pledge to appoint a 'conservative voice' to the position. Armstrong's background in the energy industry could also prove valuable as the U.S. navigates global oil market disruptions stemming from the ongoing Iran conflict.