Oklahoma Governor Kevin Stitt has appointed energy executive Alan Armstrong to serve as the stateโs next U.S. Senator. He fills the vacancy left by Senator Markwayne Mullin, who this week became the Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security.
Governor Stitt announced Armstrongโs appointment at the Oklahoma State Capitol in Oklahoma City. He praised Armstrongโs decades of experience in the energy sector and strong business leadership. Armstrong will serve until the end of Mullinโs term, covering the period before the 2026 U.S. Senate election.
At 63, Armstrong joins the Senate as a political outsider. He has a corporate background rather than experience in elected office. Armstrong agreed not to run in the November 2026 election, leaving the field open for candidates in the upcoming primary and general election.
Armstrong is best known for his leadership at The Williams Companies, a major natural gas midstream firm in Tulsa. He joined the company in the mid-1980s and moved through leadership roles, becoming President and CEO in 2011. In 2025, he became Executive Chairman.
Under Armstrong, Williams handled nearly a third of the U.S. domestic natural gas supply. His corporate expertise gives him insight into one of Oklahomaโs key industries. Governor Stitt highlighted this experience as a pro-business advantage in the Senate.
Armstrong holds a Bachelorโs degree in civil engineering from the University of Oklahoma, which helped shape his long career in energy leadership.
Senator Markwayne Mullin won a special election in 2022 with a strong majority. His confirmation as Homeland Security Secretary left the Senate seat vacant. Oklahoma law allows the governor to appoint a temporary replacement until voters select a permanent senator.
The upcoming 2026 election on November 3 will decide a full term. Multiple candidates from both parties are expected to compete.
Governor Stitt said Armstrong โunderstands the power of free markets and limited government.โ He added that Armstrongโs knowledge of energy infrastructure would help Oklahomaโs interests in the Senate.
Armstrong aims to streamline permitting and regulatory processes for energy and infrastructure projects. He plans to use his corporate experience to guide legislative work effectively.
Armstrongโs appointment keeps the Republican majority in the Senate. Some critics questioned appointing a corporate executive as a temporary senator, but Stitt defended the decision as non-political.
Oklahoma law prevents Armstrong from running in the 2026 election. Republican Representative Kevin Hern has already announced his candidacy and received endorsements from national leaders.
Armstrongโs priorities include energy policy, infrastructure, and pipeline regulation. Oklahomaโs energy sector is crucial, so federal decisions on natural gas exports and permitting will directly affect the state.
Although Armstrong will serve only briefly, his experience and leadership may influence Senate policy and shape the transition ahead of the 2026 election. Observers will watch closely how he balances corporate expertise with legislative duties.