James M. Inhofe

James M. Inhofe REPRepublican

United States Senator from Oklahoma

Profile Photo
James M. InhofeREPRepublican United States Senator from Oklahoma
89
Years of Age
52
Years of Experience
OKResidence (state)

James Mountain Inhofe (INN-hoff; born November 17, 1934) is an American retired politician who served as a United States senator from Oklahoma from 1994 to 2023. A member of the Republican Party, he is the longest serving U.S. senator from Oklahoma. He served in various elected offices in the state of Oklahoma for nearly sixty years, between 1966 and 2023. Born in Des Moines, Iowa, in 1934, Inhofe moved with his parents to Tulsa, Oklahoma, in 1942. His father, Perry Inhofe, was an owner of insurance companies and his mother, Blanche Inhofe (née Mountain), was a Tulsa socialite. Jim was a high school track star and graduated from Central High School. He went on to briefly attend the University of Colorado before finishing his college degree at the University of Tulsa. He was drafted to the United States Army in 1956 and served between 1957 and 1958. He became vice-president of his father's insurance company in 1961 and president after his father's death in 1970. Inhofe was an elected official representing the Tulsa area for nearly three decades.

Voterly's Issue Scores  (1 - 30 of 30)

Below lists the position this politician has taken on a political issue. The star rating represents the politician's prioritization and action on the issue based on data collected by relevant interest groups. Select an issue to view a more in-depth explanation of each rating.

Special Interest Group Ratings

Interest Groups That SUPPORT
Rating
Interest Groups That OPPOSE
Rating
Average Score

Disclaimer: A special interest group's positions on issues are gathered from various reputable sources including the organization's website, social media accounts, press releases, and other public communications. Special interest group politician ratings are provided by VoteSmart.org. Positions and ratings are subject to change and we may experience delays, interruptions, or errors, as a result. If you believe this information is inaccurate, please submit a problem report. Submit Report.

0 / 30
Education5 - 5 of 3
University of Tulsa
Bachelor of Arts
1973
Central High School
primary school
Past Positions1 - 8 of 8
Senator
United States Senate, Oklahoma
1994 - 2023
Representative
United States House of Representatives, Oklahoma
1987 - 1994
Mayor
City of Tulsa
1978 - 1984
Senator
Oklahoma State Senate
1969 - 1977
Representative
Oklahoma State House of Representatives
1967 - 1969
Former Minority Leader
Oklahoma State Senate
Served
United States Army
1957 - 1958
Former President
Quaker Life Insurance Company
Other Experience1 - 16 of 16
Former Chair
Senate Environment and Public Works Committee, United States Senate
Former Chair
Readiness and Management Support Subcommittee, United States Senate
Former Chair
Armed Services Committee, United States Senate
Former Member
Strategic Forces Subcommittee, United States Senate
Former Member
Oceans, Atmosphere, Fisheries, and Coast Guard Subcommittee, United States Senate
Former Member
Aviation Operations, Safety, and Security Subcommittee, United States Senate
Former Member
Fisheries, Water, and Wildlife Subcommittee, United States Senate
Former Member
Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee, United States Senate
Former Member
Communications, Technology, Innovation, and the Internet Subcommittee, United States Senate
Former Member
Consumer Protection, Product Safety, Insurance, and Data Security Subcommittee, United States Senate
Former Member
Surface Transportation and Merchant Marine Infrastructure, Safety and Security Subcommittee, United States Senate
Former Member
Subcommittee on Clean Air and Nuclear Safety, United States Senate
Former Member
Subcommittee on Superfund, Waste Management, and Regulatory Oversight, United States Senate
Former Member
Airland Subcommittee, United States Senate
Member
Senate Rural Health Caucus
Member
Senate Tourism Caucus