Former Republican Senator Jim Inhofe has died at the age of 89.
The longtime lawmaker represented Oklahoma for 36 years on Capitol Hill before stepping aside last year as the longest-serving U.S. Senator in his state’s history.
His family said he passed away after a ‘sudden illness’ and was surrounded by his wife Kay and three children.
‘Inhofe served his beloved state in many capacities over the years. Including in the Oklahoma House of Representatives, the Oklahoma State Senate, as Mayor of Tulsa, the U.S. House of Representatives and the U.S. Senate since 1994. He retired from the Senate in 2023,’ his family’s statement read.
‘In the U.S. Senate he served as chairman of the Armed Services Committee and as Chairman of the Environment and Public Works Committee. The lifelong aviator once flew a small plane around the world and passed the Pilot’s Bill of Rights.’
Inhofe’s political career lasted six decades. He first served in the Oklahoma Legislature before becoming Mayor of Tulsa.
He then moved on to Washington D.C. where he become a member of the House of Representatives and then the Senate.
One of Inhofe’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.’
Republican Senate leader Mitch McConnell added: ‘I was saddened to learn of the passing of my good friend, Jim Inhofe.
‘Jim was a Mountain of a Senator, and his decades of service left America more prosperous and secure.
‘Today, the entire Senate’s sympathies and prayers are with Jim’s beloved wife, Kay, and their children and grandchildren.’