New US senator for Oklahoma sworn in, replacing Markwayne Mullin

Alan Armstrong, left, Oklahomaβs newest U.S. senator, participates in a reenactment of his swearing-in at the U.S. Capitol on March 24, 2026, alongside his wife, Shelly Armstrong, and Iowa GOP Sen. Chuck Grassley, president pro tempore of the Senate. (Photo by Shauneen Miranda/States Newsroom)Β
WASHINGTON βΒ Alan Armstrong, a Tulsa businessman, was sworn in Tuesday as Oklahomaβs newest U.S. senator.
Armstrong temporarily fills the seat ofΒ Markwayne Mullin, who was sworn in as U.S. Department of Homeland Security secretary earlier Tuesday.Β
The Senate on MondayΒ confirmed Mullinβs nomination to lead the agency responsible for carrying out President Donald Trumpβs mass deportation agenda.Β
Armstrong was sworn in at the U.S. Capitol just hours after Oklahoma GOP Gov. Kevin Stitt appointed him to the post Tuesday morning at the Oklahoma state Capitol in Oklahoma City.Β
Iowa GOP Sen. Chuck Grassley, who serves as president pro tempore of the Senate, swore in Armstrong. Grassley joined Armstrong and his family in the Old Senate Chamber for a reenactment of the swearing-in shortly after.Β
Armstrong has served as executive chairman of the board of directors for Williams. The major energy company is headquartered in Tulsa.Β
Armstrong joins Oklahoma GOP Sen. James Lankford in the Senate and will serve alongside him until January 2027 β the remainder of Mullinβs term.Β
Under Oklahoma law, Armstrong signed an affidavit earlier Tuesday vowing to not run for a full Senate term in 2026, theΒ Oklahoma Voice reported.Β
Earlier in March, Trump gave Oklahoma GOP U.S.Β Rep. Kevin Hern β who is running in November forΒ the Senate seat β his βcomplete and total endorsement.βΒ