Oil and gas magnate Harold Hamm, one of the wealthiest people in America and a major Republican donor, called Oklahoma Gov. Kevin Stitt on Thursday night, asking for the appointment to Oklahoma’s newly open Senate seat.
The governor is mulling multiple options, but according to three sources familiar with the matter, Hamm called Stitt to express his interest in the seat.
Hamm, the founder and chairman of Continental Resources, has been a longtime Stitt supporter and was considered President Donald Trump’s top energy whisperer during his first term. He also recently donated to Trump’s $300 million White House ballroom project.
A spokesperson for Stitt did not respond to a request for comment. A senior aide to Hamm and a Continental Resources spokesperson did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
Trump announced Thursday he wants to replace Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem with Oklahoma Sen. Markwayne Mullin.
According to Oklahoma law, whoever is appointed to the position would have to sign an affidavit saying they wouldn’t run for a full term. Then, in the next general election, Oklahoma voters will choose a new senator. Many Republicans have been floated to take Mullin’s position in the interim, including his longtime adviser Donelle Harder, Oklahoma businessman Dustin Hilliary, former Oklahoma Attorney General John O’Connor, Lieutenant Governor Matt Pinnell and former Trump administration official Alex Gray.
Reps. Kevin Hern and Stephanie Bice have already said they’re considering Senate bids, with Hern set to announce something next week.
Ed. Note: This story was updated on Mar. 6, 20-26 to include additional information.
This story was produced as part of a partnership between NOTUS and Oklahoma Watch.
Reece Gorman is a NOTUS reporter covering the federal government for Oklahoma Watch.
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