Governor Kevin Stitt Appoints Energy Executive Alan Armstrong to U.S. Senate

Governor Kevin Stitt officially announced energy executive Alan Armstrong as his U.S. Senate appointee Tuesday morning, filling the vacancy created by Markwayne Mullin’s recent confirmation as Secretary of Homeland Security. Armstrong, the former CEO of Williams Companies, steps into the role with a clear mandate to champion Oklahoma’s energy interests on the national stage. The appointment brings a seasoned business perspective to Washington during a critical transition period for federal infrastructure and regulatory policy.

A Business-First Selection

In a news conference held Tuesday morning, Governor Stitt emphasized Armstrong’s extensive experience in the private sector as a primary factor for the selection. Armstrong served as the President and CEO of the Tulsa-based Williams Companies for 14 years before transitioning to Executive Chairman in 2025.

“Alan’s story reflects the very best of Oklahoma,” Governor Stitt said. “He is a strong business leader who understands the power of free markets and limited government. He has spent his career fighting for Oklahoma’s energy industry and providing affordable, reliable energy to all of America.”

Armstrong, a third-generation Oklahoman and a graduate of the University of Oklahoma, has long been a fixture in the state’s energy landscape. He previously chaired the Department of Energy’s National Petroleum Council and currently serves as the Chair of the Board of Trustees for the University of Oklahoma Foundation.

The Path to the Appointment

The vacancy was created following a shift in the executive branch. President Donald Trump tapped Markwayne Mullin to lead the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) following the departure of Kristi Noem. The Senate confirmed Mullin in a 54-45 vote on March 23, 2026.

Under Oklahoma state law, the governor’s appointee for a vacated Senate seat must:

• Be a member of the same political party as the departing senator.
• Have been a registered member of that party for at least five years.
• Sign an affidavit pledging not to seek a full term in the upcoming election.

Armstrong’s tenure is strictly temporary. He will serve until the results of the November 3, 2026, general election are certified, at which point the newly elected senator will take office to complete the remainder of the term through January 2027.

Focus on Energy Policy

During the announcement, Armstrong indicated that his primary objective in Washington would be advocating for federal permitting reform. He expressed a desire to streamline the regulatory process to accelerate energy infrastructure projects, an issue Governor Stitt has also championed as head of the National Governors Association.

“This state is very special to me,” Armstrong said. “The last thing I would want to do is be sitting around complaining about what other people are not willing to step up and do to try to make our country great.”

The 2026 Special Election

While Armstrong fills the seat in the interim, the race for the full term is already gaining momentum. Representative Kevin Hern has emerged as a frontrunner for the Republican nomination, having already secured endorsements from President Trump and Senate Majority Leader John Thune.

The primary election for the seat is scheduled for June 16, 2026, with the general election following in November.

The 2026 Special Election Field

Because Armstrong signed an affidavit promising not to run for the seat, the field is wide open for the June 16, 2026, primary. The winner of the November general election will be sworn in immediately to serve the final months of the current term and the subsequent full six-year term.

Republican Primary Contenders

• Rep. Kevin Hern: The four-term Congressman from Oklahoma’s 1st District is currently the frontrunner. He has already secured a high-profile endorsement from President Trump and resigned his leadership post as chair of the House Republican Policy Committee to focus on the race.
• Other Potential Candidates: While Hern has early momentum, other names frequently mentioned in Oklahoma political circles include Lt. Gov. Matt Pinnell and Rep. Stephanie Bice, though the formal filing period (April 1–3, 2026) will finalize the list.

Democratic Primary Contenders

Several candidates have filed to run on the Democratic ticket, including:

• Troy W. Green: A law enforcement officer and advocate focusing on healthcare and public school funding.
• N’Kiyla Thomas: A community advocate running on a platform of economic mobility and support for working families.
• Jim Priest: An attorney and former nonprofit executive.

Timeline of Key Dates