POLITICS

Oklahoma governor appoints business leader to Senate seat

PUBLISHED Mar 24, 2026, 10:21 AM ET

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Media Bias Meter

Sources: 10

Center 90%

Right 10%

Sources: 10

Oklahoma City: Governor Kevin Stitt on Tuesday appointed energy executive Alan Armstrong to the U.S. Senate to fill Markwayne Mullin's seat after Mullin's confirmation as Homeland Security secretary, with Armstrong set to serve through January and required by state law not to run this fall. The appointment preserves Republican Senate numbers and prompted immediate campaign moves: Rep. Kevin Hern announced his run and received President Trump’s endorsement this week, while Armstrong’s corporate ties and a past political donation drew attention among conservative activists ahead of June primaries.

By Lauren Mitchell | JQJO News

Timeline of Events

Senate confirms Markwayne Mullin as Secretary of Homeland Security (reported Monday).
Gov. Kevin Stitt appoints Alan Armstrong to Mullin's vacant U.S. Senate seat (reported Tuesday).
Armstrong signs or must sign state-required affidavit pledging not to run in November.
Republican Rep. Kevin Hern announces candidacy and receives President Trump's endorsement.
Armstrong serves through January when the winner of the November election takes office.

News Intelligence

This Senate seat shuffle in Oklahoma impacts your political landscape. Armstrong's corporate ties could influence Senate decisions on energy policies. Keep an eye on the June primaries and November's election.

Media Bias

Articles Published:: 10
Right Leaning:: 1
Left Leaning:: 0
Neutral:: 9

Who Benefited

The Republican Party retained temporary Senate control; Alan Armstrong gained national profile and the Williams Companies received increased visibility from his appointment.

Who Impacted

Some conservative activists and potential primary contenders faced criticism or lost a competitive selection process, and voters had no direct electoral choice for the immediate vacancy.

Media Bias

Articles Published:: 10
Right Leaning:: 1
Left Leaning:: 0
Neutral:: 9
Distribution:: Left 0%, Center 90%, Right 10%

Who Benefited

The Republican Party retained temporary Senate control; Alan Armstrong gained national profile and the Williams Companies received increased visibility from his appointment.

Who Impacted

Some conservative activists and potential primary contenders faced criticism or lost a competitive selection process, and voters had no direct electoral choice for the immediate vacancy.