From The Hill: Oklahoma Gov. Kevin Stitt (R) has appointed energy executive Alan Armstrong to represent the state in the Senate, replacing outgoing Sen. Markwayne Mullin, who was confirmed Monday to lead the Department of Homeland Security (DHS).
At a Tuesday press conference announcing the appointment, Stitt hailed Armstrong, a third-generation Oklahoman, as a “strong business leader who understands the power of free markets and limited government” and is “strongly aligned” with President Trump on energy policy.
“Alan views this appointment not as a political opportunity but really as public service,” Stitt said, noting that Armstrong will have to step down from the board of Williams Companies and “a bunch of different commitments” to serve his state.
Under state law, Stitt had 30 days to appoint someone from Mullin’s party to temporarily fill the seat after the senator left his post. The Senate confirmed Mullin in a 54-45 vote on Monday, with two Democrats joining Republicans to approve him to replace Kristi Noem at DHS. He was set to be sworn in Tuesday afternoon.
The report explains that Armstrong will only be filling the remainder of Mullin’s term in the Senate for this year, as he was asked to pledge not to run for a full term after temporarily filling the vacancy, according to Oklahoma law.
Candidates seeking to run for the seat for a new term starting next year must file to run during the three-day filing period from April 1-3. The primary election will take place on June 16.
Gov. Stitt announced in a post on X Tuesday morning, “I am honored to announce my appointment of Alan Armstrong to the U.S. Senate. Alan is a proud third-generation Oklahoman, staunch conservative, respected business leader, and a devoted family man with an inspiring American Dream story.
“He is entering the U.S. Senate at a critical time for advancing reforms to secure America’s energy future. I have no doubt that his perspective will be influential in moving the needle on permitting reform to unlock American competitiveness and energy affordability for generations to come. Congratulations, Alan! You’ll make Oklahoma proud! 🇺🇸”
I am honored to announce my appointment of Alan Armstrong to the U.S. Senate.
Alan is a proud third-generation Oklahoman, staunch conservative, respected business leader, and a devoted family man with an inspiring American Dream story.
He is entering the U.S. Senate at a…
— Governor Kevin Stitt (@GovStitt) March 24, 2026
Gov. Stitt also shared a video of the press conference on Facebook:
Jake Sherman of Punchbowl News commented, “Shocked that the Trump White House didn’t try to veto Kevin Stitt appointing Alan Armstrong, given his donations to Adam Kinzinger.”
Shocked that the Trump White House didn’t try to veto Kevin Stitt appointing Alan Armstrong, given his donations to Adam Kinzinger. https://t.co/nvtHDoJsRE
— Jake Sherman (@JakeSherman) March 24, 2026
READ MORE from The Hill.
Follow us on X (Formerly Twitter.)
The DML News App: www.X.com/DMLNewsApp
The Dennis Michael Lynch Podcast archive is available below, with the most recent on top. Never miss an episode. Subscribe to the show by downloading The DML News App or go to Apple Podcasts.
