Oklahoma Gov. Stitt Appoints Energy Executive Alan Armstrong to Temporarily Fill Mullin’s U.S. Senate Seat
Oklahoma Gov. Kevin Stitt has appointed energy executive Alan Armstrong to temporarily fill U.S. Sen. Markwayne Mullin’s seat through the end of the year. Stitt hailed Armstrong as a “proud third‑generation Oklahoman, staunch conservative, respected business leader, and a devoted family man,” and Armstrong is stepping down from the board of energy infrastructure firm Williams Companies and must submit an oath to the Secretary of State that he will not run for the seat when it next appears on the ballot. Fox’s coverage also noted the partisan breakdown of Mullin’s Senate confirmation vote was 54–45 (with Sen. Rand Paul the only Republican “no” vote and Democrats John Fetterman and Martin Heinrich voting “yes”), and that Mullin voted to confirm himself.
📌 Key Facts
- Oklahoma Gov. Kevin Stitt has appointed energy executive Alan Armstrong to temporarily fill the U.S. Senate seat vacated by Markwayne Mullin.
- Stitt publicly described Armstrong as a “proud third‑generation Oklahoman, staunch conservative, respected business leader, and a devoted family man with an inspiring American Dream story.”
- Armstrong is stepping down from the board of Williams Companies, described in coverage as an energy infrastructure company.
- Under Oklahoma law, Armstrong must submit an oath to the Secretary of State affirming he will not run for the Senate seat when it next appears on the ballot.
- Fox News reported the Senate confirmation vote on Mullin was 54–45, with Sen. Rand Paul the only Republican voting 'no,' Democratic Sens. John Fetterman and Martin Heinrich voting 'yes,' and Mullin voting to confirm himself.
📊 Relevant Data
Oklahoma's oil and natural gas industry contributed $60.3 billion to the state's GDP in FY2024, accounting for 23% of the total GDP.
Economic Impact | Oklahoma Energy Resources Board — Oklahoma Energy Resources Board
The Iran war has led to the suspension of almost a fifth of global crude oil and natural gas supply, contributing to surges in oil prices.
Iran war threatens prolonged impact on energy markets as oil prices rise — Al Jazeera
The Iranian population in the U.S. grew more than fourfold from 1980 to 2024, reaching approximately 750,000 Iranian Americans, with many arriving after the 1979 Islamic Revolution.
7 facts about Iranians in the U.S. — Pew Research Center
In the US, households in majority-Black census tracts spend 5.1% of their income on energy, compared to 3.2% for households in majority-White tracts, based on 2025 data.
Black families are the hardest hit by high energy costs — UPI
The US unemployment rate rose to 4.4% in February 2026, with job losses of 92,000, amid economic pressures from the Iran war including rising energy costs.
Analysis: Tough jobs report puts Trump's Iran war plans to the test — CNBC
Immigrants constitute 6% of Oklahoma's residents and 8% of its labor force as of recent data, contributing significantly to sectors including energy.
Immigrants power Oklahoma's economy. State Question 832 can ensure they earn fair wages — Oklahoma Policy Institute
📰 Source Timeline (2)
Follow how coverage of this story developed over time
- Confirms the appointment via Fox’s coverage and notes Stitt’s public characterization of Armstrong as a 'proud third-generation Oklahoman, staunch conservative, respected business leader, and a devoted family man with an inspiring American Dream story.'
- Clarifies that Armstrong is stepping down from the board of Williams Companies, which is described as an 'energy infrastructure company.'
- Reiterates that under Oklahoma law Armstrong must submit an oath to the Secretary of State affirming he will not run for the seat when it next appears on the ballot.
- Notes the partisan breakdown of the Senate confirmation vote on Mullin: 54–45, with Sen. Rand Paul as the only Republican 'no' vote, and Democratic Sens. John Fetterman and Martin Heinrich voting 'yes'; Mullin voted to confirm himself.