By John Dobberstein, Editor
Jim Inhofe, the longest-serving U.S. senator in Oklahoma history whose political career spanned more than six decades, has passed away from a sudden illness. He was 89.
The U.S. Army veteran and former Tulsa mayor was a conservative firebrand perhaps known best for support the U.S. military, especially during his time serving on the Armed Services Committee and chaired the Environment and Public Works Committee.
He rankled many Democrats when he called climate change a “hoax” – throwing a snowball on the Senate floor in 2015 to prove his point — and returned the favor with Republicans by refusing to vote to delay the presidential election certification in 2020. But Inhofe was also a major proponent of transportation and infrastructure projects and would sometimes step across the aisle to get business done.
Numerous lawmakers and public officials praised Inhofe Tuesday for his service to Oklahoma and the U.S. during his long political career.
Oklahoma GOP Chair Nathan Dahm said Inhofe was true to his middle name and was truly a “mountain” in Oklahoma politics, especially for the Republican Party.
“Oklahoma lost a giant today,” Dahm said. “Jim Inhofe was a fighter for Oklahoma’s industries, people and principles. He will be greatly missed.”
Tulsa Mayor G.T. Bynum noted Inhofe’s service as Tula’s mayor, where he created the first city sales tax – the Third Penny – which has funded billions in street and infrastructure enhancements over the last half century.
“He modernized our trash system, established our 9-1-1 call system and created our Sister Cities program that went on to build cultural ties between our city and nearly every continent around the world,” Bynum said. My thoughts today are with Kay and the entire extended Inhofe family.”
Broken Arrow Mayor Debra Wimpee said Inhofe’s passing is “deeply felt, especially by those who had the privilege of working with him on a local level.
“As a (city) councilor and then mayor, I experienced firsthand his eagerness to assist and support for our community many times when there were needs. Senator Inhofe’s dedication to public service extended beyond his role in the Senate, he will also be remembered as a strong advocate for our veterans as well,” Wimpee said.
“Throughout his career, he worked tirelessly to improve the lives of those who have served our country. His commitment to ensuring that our veterans receive the support and care they deserve will be remembered and appreciated. His passing is a loss not only for the nation but also for the countless communities that benefited from his support and advocacy.”
State Supt. of Public Instruction Ryan Walters said Inhofe “embodied the best of Oklahoma values not only in his service in Washington but also in his private life. His commitment to the people of Oklahoma was unmatched, and he leaves a lasting legacy in our state.”
Gov. Kevin Stitt said he and his wife Sarah were “saddened” by the news of Inhofe’s passing and Stitt ordered all flags on state property to be flown at half-staff until Wednesday evening.
“Jim was a generational Oklahoman who relentlessly championed our veterans, never wavered in protecting our values, and was a firm believer in the American Dream,” Stitt said. “Jim will be remembered as a true statesman and public servant— and a fighter for Oklahoma.”
U.S. Rep. Kevin Hern (R-Tulsa) described Inhofe as a “dear friend and mentor” and an effective leader. “Jim spent his life in service to his country, both in uniform and in the halls of Congress. He will always be remembered as a fighter, especially for our military service members,” Hern said.
“Jim’s legacy of service, leadership, and faith reflect the Oklahoma Standard and the pride he held in his work. Along with the family, friends, and many Oklahomans who knew and loved him, I mourn the loss of a great man.”
House Democratic Leader Cyndi Munson (D-Oklahoma City) also expressed her condolences.
“He was a tenacious leader, state representative, and United States Senator who stood firm in his convictions,” she said. “He bravely served our country in more ways than one and has left a long-lasting impact on the State of Oklahoma.”
James Mountain Inhofe was born in 1934 in Des Moines, Iowa, went to public schools in Tulsa and graduated from the University of Tulsa in 1973. He was a veteran, serving in the U.S. Army from 1957 to 1958.
He served in the Oklahoma State House from 1967 to 1969, State Senate from that point to 1977, and he was an unsuccessful candidate for governor in Oklahoma in 1974. He served as Tulsa’s mayor from 1978 to 1984.
Inhofe was elected as a Republican to the 100th U.S. House and three more Congresses but resigned when he was elected to the U.S. Senate in 1994 to fill David Boren’s vacated seat. Inhofe announced in 2022 he would resign effective Jan. 1, 2023, in part citing the lingering effects from COVID-19 as the reason.
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