Story perspectives

Oklahoma Governor Appoints Energy Leader to Senate Seat

3/25/2026

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Governor Stitt Appoints Armstrong

Oklahoma Governor Kevin Stitt appointed Alan Armstrong, chairman of Williams Companies, to fill the U.S. Senate seat vacated by Markwayne Mullin, now Secretary of Homeland Security.
Armstrong has no prior political experience and aims to improve energy project permitting.
Stitt says the selection brings industry expertise to federal energy policy amid debates over natural gas and renewables.

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Mullin Confirmed Secretary

The U.S. Senate confirmed Markwayne Mullin as Secretary of Homeland Security with a 54-45 vote during a five-week department shutdown.
Mullin, a Republican senator from Oklahoma, replaces Kristi Noem and becomes the first Indigenous person in this role.
His confirmation faced scrutiny over his lack of relevant experience and concerns about his temperament, particularly after a 2023 incident involving a physical challenge to a witness.
Despite the shutdown, Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and Customs and Border Protection (CBP) remain funded, with former President Donald Trump directing ICE agents to assist the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) at airports.

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Governor Stitt Appoints Armstrong

Oklahoma Governor Kevin Stitt appointed Alan Armstrong, chairman of Williams Companies, to fill the U.S. Senate seat vacated by Markwayne Mullin, now Secretary of Homeland Security.
Armstrong has no prior political experience and aims to improve energy project permitting.
Stitt says the selection brings industry expertise to federal energy policy amid debates over natural gas and renewables.

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