Former Oklahoma Senator Jim Inhofe, a towering figure in conservative politics, passed away at the age of 89. Inhofe, known for his steadfast conservative values and vocal skepticism of climate change, served in the U.S. Senate for nearly three decades before retiring in 2023.
Inhofe passed away Tuesday morning surrounded by his wife, Kay, and their children.
Before being elected to the U.S. Senate, Inhofe served as the Mayor of Tulsa from 1978 to 1984 and as the U.S. Representative for Oklahoma's 1st District from 1987 to 1994. He holds the record for being the longest-serving U.S. senator from the Sooner State.
The Oklahoman reports:
One of the Senator's colleagues, Tulsa Congressman Kevin Hern said Inhofe was a dear friend and mentor and a titan in Oklahoma.
“Tammy and I are keeping Kay and the rest of the Inhofe family in our prayers,” Hern said in a media statement. “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. 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.”
Throughout his career, Inhofe consistently supported the military, advocated for limited government, and opposed environmental regulations that he believed could hinder economic growth.
He served as the chairman of the Senate Armed Services Committee from 2018 to 2021 and the Senate Environment Committee from 2015 to 2017.
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