Oklahoma Gov. Kevin Stitt is expected to appoint Alan Armstrong, chairman of Williams Companies, to the U.S. Senate seat currently held by Sen. Markwayne Mullin, according to sources familiar with the process.
The move comes as Mullin advances in the confirmation process to replace Kristi Noem as Department of Homeland Security under President Donald Trump. On Thursday, The Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee advanced Sen. Mullin’s nomination in an 8 to 7 vote, setting up a vote before the full chamber as early as this week.
If appointed, Armstrong would serve until the next election, when Oklahoma voters would decide who completes the remainder of the term.
Two sources familiar with the decision tell News 9 Political Analyst Scott Mitchell that Armstrong is Stitt’s choice. News 9 has reached out to the governor’s chief of staff and has not received a response.
Energy executive Alan Armstrong emerges as the leading pick as political dynamics, including Donald Trump’s influence, shape the rollout. Journalist Reese Gorman joins Scott Mitchell to explain how Armstrong got the appointment and what’s next.
Key Takeaways
- Gov. Kevin Stitt is expected to appoint Williams Companies chairman Alan Armstrong to an Oklahoma U.S. Senate seat, according to sources.
- The appointment would follow Sen. Markwayne Mullin advancing toward a Homeland Security role under President Donald Trump.
- Armstrong would serve temporarily until the next election determines who completes the term.
- Armstrong brings decades of natural gas industry experience as federal energy policy debates intensify.
President Donald Trump previously endorsed U.S. Rep. Kevin Hern for the Senate seat.
President Donald Trump said that he is endorsing Congressman Kevin Hern for Oklahoma’s soon-to-be-open Senate seat.
The potential appointment would place a longtime energy executive in the U.S. Senate as federal policy debates intensify over electricity demand and domestic energy production.
For Oklahoma, the decision could bring direct industry experience to Washington from one of the state’s most important economic sectors.
Williams Companies chairman Alan Armstrong says energy demand is growing fast, and Oklahoma’s resources, innovation, and leadership can meet it head-on.
Who is Alan Armstrong?
Alan Armstrong is chairman of Williams Companies, a Tulsa-based natural gas infrastructure company operating in more than 25 states.
He joined the company nearly 40 years ago and later served more than a decade as CEO before becoming chairman.
Gov. Kevin Stitt is expected to appoint a major natural gas industry leader, shifting the Senate race toward energy policy influence.
Armstrong graduated from the University of Oklahoma with a degree in civil engineering.
Armstrong’s career has centered on expanding natural gas pipeline systems that deliver energy across the United States.
He has also been involved in high-profile projects in the Northeast, where regulatory challenges have slowed or blocked development.
Alan Armstrong, chairman of Williams Companies, says a lack of pipeline infrastructure is driving up energy costs in the Northeast.
Armstrong has warned about rising electricity demand driven by data centers and emerging technologies.
He has described natural gas as a “bridge” fuel that works alongside renewable energy sources such as wind and solar.
In interviews with News 9’s political analyst Scott Mitchell, Armstrong has promoted faster infrastructure development, the role of natural gas in stabilizing the grid, balancing traditional and renewable energy sources and concerns about policies that restrict energy access.
Armstrong has also pointed to Oklahoma as a national leader in energy policy due to its business-friendly environment.
