Attorney General Gentner Drummond issued a formal opinion Thursday on the U.S. Senate seat vacated by former Sen. Markwayne Mullin.
The vacancy began when Senator Markwayne Mullin resigned in March to become U.S. Secretary of Homeland Security.
Governor Stitt appointed Senator Alan Armstrong the next day.
The opinion concludes that the candidate elected to the seat on November 3rd will also fill the rest of the term.
It also answers separate requests from Gov. Kevin Stitt and Senate President Pro Tempore Lonnie Paxton.
That candidate will be eligible to take office once the State Election Board certifies the results.
“Oklahoma law and the U.S. Constitution point to the same answer: the voters fill this seat,” said Drummond.
The Hern for Senate campaign released the following statement:
“We appreciate the Attorney General’s review and are pleased that his opinion confirms our understanding of Oklahoma law: the winner of the U.S. Senate election in November is eligible to assume office immediately upon certification by the State Election Board.”
