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Energy · Infrastructure · Oklahoma · Senate
Oklahoma Governor Kevin Stitt appointed energy executive Alan Armstrong to temporarily fill the U.S. Senate seat vacated by Markwayne Mullin until the November election, elevating the former CEO of Williams Companies to a federal legislative role.
Republican Governor Stitt, who pledged a "conservative voice," selected Armstrong, the 63-year-old chairman and former CEO of Tulsa-based Williams Companies, a major natural gas pipeline operator employing approximately 5,800 people. Armstrong, who has never held elected office, will serve until the November election results are certified and has agreed not to run for a full term.
His top priority in the Senate will be facilitating permitting for large-scale infrastructure projects, which he believes are critical for U.S. competitiveness. Armstrong stated he met with President Donald Trump, gaining support due to his prior work with Trump's Secretary of Interior Doug Burgum and Secretary of Energy Chris Wright on permitting reform.
He is a longtime supporter of Stitt, contributing $8,500 to his campaigns since 2018. Mullin's departure follows his confirmation as the new homeland security secretary.
Former Tulsa Mayor Dewey Bartlett Jr. described Armstrong as an "even-tempered individual" focused on consensus-building, whose energy industry knowledge is particularly valuable given the ongoing Iran war impacting global oil flows.
Republican U.S. Rep Kevin Hern has announced his candidacy for the Senate seat, endorsed by President Trump.
Oklahoma Governor Stitt Appoints Energy Executive Armstrong to Senate(current)
