Governor names Alan Armstrong to U.S. Senate, cites permitting reform as central priority

The governor announced at a news conference that he is appointing Alan Armstrong as Oklahoma’s next U.S. senator, saying he picked Armstrong specifically to help advance permitting reform and to represent Oklahoma’s energy interests.

"My pick as the next U.S. senator of the state of Oklahoma is Mister Alan Armstrong," the governor said, introducing Armstrong and praising his long career in the energy industry and ties to Tulsa.

The governor framed the appointment around Armstrong’s experience with large infrastructure projects and permitting, arguing that those skills are needed to fix what he called a broken permitting process that can stop projects when administrations change. He noted past pipeline controversies and said Oklahoma needs leaders who can push permitting reforms in Washington.

Alan Armstrong, introduced by the governor, thanked the governor and supporters and said he will make permitting reform and infrastructure priorities during his expected short Senate term. "I really wanna 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.

When asked whether he anticipates conflicts of interest because of his long career in the energy sector, Armstrong said the Senate does not approve individual projects and that his objective is to push permitting reform across energy types. "It's not really the Senate's role to approve individual projects," he said, adding that he does not see that as a conflict and that he will work on reform for all forms of energy.

The governor said Armstrong will step down from Williams’ board and other commitments to serve. Armstrong told reporters he intends to travel to Washington immediately to begin the transition, saying simply, "Today." He also said he will consult and work closely with Republican leadership and other experienced senators.

The announcement included references to national figures and projects — the governor praised President Trump’s nomination of Mark Wayne Mullen for a cabinet post, cited discussions with Senate leadership including John Thune, and mentioned prior work with cabinet officials when describing how Armstrong earned support. The governor repeatedly framed the appointment around the practical need to advance infrastructure and energy projects through permitting reform.

No legislative vote or confirmation was reported during the event; the governor made the appointment and Armstrong accepted. The news conference concluded with a brief question-and-answer session in which Armstrong reiterated his priorities and thanked attendees for their support.