Oklahomas Republican governor has tapped veteran energy executive Alan Armstrong to serve out the remaining term of former Sen.
Markwayne Mullin, who has joined the Biden administration as secretary of the Department of Homeland Security.
The appointment, announced Tuesday, places a staunch free-market advocate and industry insider in the U.S. Senate at a time when federal energy policy is increasingly shaped by climate mandates and regulatory expansion, according to Western Journal. Gov. Kevin Stitt praised his choice, saying, Hes a strong business leader who understands the power of free markets and limited government, according to WTOP-TV. Armstrong, long associated with the states energy backbone, previously served as board chairman and CEO of Williams Companies, a Tulsa-based pipeline operator central to the nations natural gas infrastructure.
Under Oklahoma law, Armstrong will serve only as a caretaker and is barred from running in November, when Mullins seat would have been contested on the ballot. That restriction ensures voters, not an appointee, will decide the states long-term representation, but it also means Armstrong will have only months to leave his mark in Washington.
Stitt emphasized Armstrongs alignment with conservative energy priorities and former President Donald Trumps agenda. Alan is strongly aligned with President Trump on energy policy, Stitt said, according to KATV-TV. He added that, Few people have done more to champion America First agenda to keep Oklahoma at the center of domestic production so that we can deliver clean, reliable, and affordable energy to American citizens than Alan Armstrong, underscoring the governors intent to counter the Biden administrations green-energy push with a pro-production, pro-fossil-fuel voice.
Armstrong, who had stepped back from corporate leadership, acknowledged the personal difficulty of returning to public life but framed the decision as a duty. This was definitely a tough decision on one hand, but on the other hand it was kind of a no-brainer because I really wouldnt wanna be sitting around in my retirement thinking, Gosh, I could have contributed and done something, Armstrong said. His comments reflect a sense of obligation common among conservative leaders who see Washingtons regulatory state as a direct threat to American competitiveness and energy independence.
Although Stitts announcement came Tuesday morning, Armstrong moved quickly to assume his new responsibilities and was sworn in by that afternoon, according to Roll Call. The rapid transition underscores both the urgency of filling the vacancy and the expectation that Armstrong will immediately engage in high-stakes debates over energy, regulation, and national security.
Before departing for the nations capital, Armstrong signaled that his top priority would be dismantling bureaucratic roadblocks that delay or derail critical infrastructure. The truth is, its gotten very, very hard to build large-scale infrastructure, and it is so critical to our countrys competitiveness in the long term. Its hard for any kind of infrastructure to get built, and that really is holding our country back, Armstrong said. His critique directly challenges the lefts regulatory overreach, which has made it increasingly difficult to construct pipelines, power plants, and other projects essential to reliable, affordable energy.
Armstrong admitted that stepping into the Senate mid-term, without the runway of a campaign, is a daunting prospect. Entering the chamber, he said, is a little bit like Im stepping off into the abyss. Still, he stressed a willingness to learn quickly and lean on seasoned conservative lawmakers, saying, Ive got a lot of learning to do, but Im going to be listening to people that I have a lot of respect for.
Even before Mullins confirmation to the DHS post, Trump had already weighed in on who should ultimately hold the seat, throwing his support behind Republican Rep. Kevin Hern of Oklahoma. Kevin Hern, from the Wonderful State of Oklahoma (where I won all 77 out of 77 Counties, in 2016, 2020, and 2024!), is a Great Patriot, and FANTASTIC Congressman! A true friend of MAGA, Kevin is now running for the United States Senate, where I know he will continue to do an incredible job, Trump posted on Truth Social.
The former president highlighted Herns backing from the conservative grassroots and Senate allies, writing, Kevin is strongly supported by the fiercest MAGA Warriors in Oklahoma, and the most Highly Respected Leaders in the United States Senate! As the Chair of the House Republican Policy Committee, Kevin is doing a tremendous job advancing our AMERICA FIRST Agenda, Trump wrote. He further detailed what is at stake in the coming election, stating, In the U.S. Senate, Kevin will continue to fight tirelessly to Grow our Economy, Cut Taxes and Regulations, Champion our Amazing Farmers and Ranchers, Promote MADE IN THE U.S.A., Ensure American Energy DOMINANCE, Keep our Border SECURE, Strengthen our Military/Veterans, Safeguard our Elections, and Protect our always under siege Second Amendment, Trump wrote.
Trump closed his endorsement with a characteristic flourish, declaring, Kevin Hern will be an outstanding Senator, and has my Complete and Total Endorsement HE WILL NEVER LET YOU DOWN! Trump wrote. With Armstrong serving as a short-term, pro-energy, pro-market appointee and Hern emerging as Trumps preferred long-term choice, Oklahomas Senate seat is poised to remain a stronghold for conservative policy, energy dominance, and the broader America First agenda in the months ahead.
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