Alan Armstrong tapped by Oklahoma governor to fill Markwayne Mullin’s Senate seat

Washington— Oklahoma Gov. Kevin Stitt appointed vitality govt Alan Armstrong on Tuesday to substitute newly confirmed Department of Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin within the Senate.

“I’m incredibly proud now to announce that my pick as the next US senator of the state of Oklahoma is Mr. Alan Armstrong,” Stitt mentioned at a information convention Tuesday morning.

President Trump tapped Mullin to lead DHS following Kristi Noem’s ouster over scrutiny of the division’s immigration enforcement operations. The Senate confirmed Mullin for the position on Monday in a 54 to 45 vote.

Armstrong has served as govt chairman on the board of administrators at a Tulsa-based vitality agency Williams Companies after stepping down as president and CEO final 12 months. He has beforehand chaired the Department of Energy’s National Petroleum Council.

Stitt mentioned Armstrong’s story “reflects the very best of Oklahoma.”

“Our values, our work ethic and our pursuit of the American dream is alive and well in Oklahoma,” Stitt mentioned. “He’s a strong business leader who understands the power of free markets and limited government. He spent his career fighting for Oklahoma’s energy industry, and providing affordable, reliable energy to all of America.”

Under Oklahoma state legislation, anybody appointed to an empty Senate seat should pledge not to run for a full time period. Armstrong will serve within the position till voters elect a brand new senator in November’s election.

The major is about for June 16. Already, Rep. Kevin Hern has emerged as a frontrunner within the race. Hern, who’s represented Oklahoma within the House since 2018, secured an endorsement from Senate Majority Leader John Thune earlier this month, in addition to from the president.

“Kevin Hern will be an outstanding Senator, and has my Complete and Total Endorsement – ​​HE WILL NEVER LET YOU DOWN!” Mr. Trump wrote on Truth Social.