OKLAHOMA CITY (OBV) — Gov. Kevin Stitt named former Williams Companies chief Alan Armstrong as Oklahoma’s next U.S. senator Tuesday, tapping the longtime energy executive for a short-term appointment centered on federal permitting reform.
Stitt framed the choice as a skills-first pick tied to infrastructure and energy policy. He said Armstrong reflects Oklahoma’s values and business focus.
“He’s a strong business leader who understands the power of free markets and limited government,” Stitt said.
Armstrong cast the role as public service with a narrow priority.
“It really is an honor to have the opportunity to serve,” he said, adding that he wants reform that works in practice. “I really want to make sure that we really have meaningful permitting reform, not just getting a bill that says we got permitting reform, but it not really being effective for getting things built.”
Armstrong said America’s competitiveness is linked to the ability to build major infrastructure again. “It’s gotten very, very hard to build large scale infrastructure, and it is so critical to our country’s competitiveness in the long term,” he said.
With the calendar tight, he added, the agenda will stay focused. “Given the limited amount of practical time that there is, that is going to be a high priority for me.”
Stitt pressed for predictable federal approvals across administrations. He argued that once projects secure permits, they should not be reversed by changing leadership in Washington. “We can’t let a new administration come in and kill projects,” he said.
The governor highlighted Armstrong’s Oklahoma roots and tenure at Williams, which remains headquartered in Tulsa. He credited Armstrong with keeping the company anchored in the state and said his experience in energy infrastructure positions him to work across party lines on permitting.
Armstrong said he does not anticipate conflicts of interest on individual projects. “It’s not really the Senate’s role to approve individual projects. That gets done at places like FERC,” he said. “My goal is going to be to get permitting reform done for all forms of energy. And I don’t see that as a conflict at all.”
Asked when he wants to begin, Armstrong did not hesitate. “Today,” he said.
He added that he will lean on party leadership and Sen. James Lankford on national security matters while he gets up to speed. “I’ve got a lot of learning to do, but I’m going to be listening to people that I have a lot of respect for,” he said.
What happens next
- Appointment formalities and oath: The governor’s office will transmit credentials to the U.S. Senate. Armstrong is expected to take the oath and be seated once the paperwork clears.
- Committee assignments: Republican leadership will determine temporary committee slots that align with the chamber’s needs and the short timeline.
- Scope of work: Armstrong has signaled a tight focus on permitting reform and infrastructure, coordination with GOP leadership, and rapid engagement with stakeholders.
- Severing outside roles: Stitt said Armstrong will step down from corporate and board commitments to avoid conflicts while serving.
Armstrong closed by emphasizing the short runway and the need to deliver. He said he looks forward to “making a difference for the short time” he will be in the Senate.
