Former Republican Senator Jim Inhofe dead at age 89 after serving on Capitol Hill for 36 years
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.'
Former Republican Senator Jim Inhofe has died at the age of 89
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.
The state's Governor Kevin Stitt called him a 'generational Oklahoman' who 'relentlessly championed our veterans, never wavered in protecting our values, and a firm believer in the American Dream.'
He said he is ordering flags to be flown at half staff to honor the former senator's memory.
Inhofe's family said he passed away after a 'sudden illness' and was surrounded by his wife Kay and three children. He is pictured being sworn into the Senate in 1994
Tributes poured in for the long-serving Senator following his passing from a 'sudden illness' His wife Kay holds a Bible as he is sworn into the Senate in 2021
'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.'
His passing caused controversy as Politico and the New York Times published headlines calling him a 'climate change denier.'
Donald Trump (R), then-president of the Trump Organization in 2005, listens as U.S. Senator James Inhofe (R-OK) testifies
'These people are just vile. Senator Inhofe was a great man who did so many good things for Oklahoma and the country,' GOP operative Billy Grant wrote on X.
'This is a downright disgrace and @politico should issue an apology immediately!!!'
In addition, his former staff took to social media to condemn the headlines.
