Former Oklahoma Sen. Jim Inhofe dies after lengthy political career

James Inhofe, the firebrand former Republican United States senator whose political career covered six decades and who was known as a leading skeptic of the science behind global warming, died Tuesday following a brief illness.

The 89-year-old Inhofe was a long-time public official, serving in the Oklahoma Legislature, as mayor of Tulsa, in the U.S. House of Representatives and, most recently, in the United States Senate.

Inhofe was the definition of a career politician.

He had served in the U. S. Senate since late 1994. He was the longest-serving U.S. Senator in Oklahoma history. Before the Senate, Inhofe was a member of the U.S. House for eight years. Prior to that, he spent four years as mayor of Tulsa and 10 years in the Oklahoma Legislature. Inhofe was the Republican nominee for governor in 1974 but lost to Democrat David Boren, the man he would later succeed in the Senate.

He was the Republican nominee for governor in 1974 but lost to Democrat David Boren, the man he would later succeed in the Senate.

Inhofe's legacy on the military and environment

Inhofe chaired two different Senate committees over his career: the Armed Services and Environment and Public Works panels. On the latter, Inhofe famously invited hearing witnesses to challenge the science behind climate change and at one point brought a snowball onto the Senate floor to help make his arguments, despite widespread international consensus to the contrary.

Years later, Inhofe said he didn't regret throwing the snowball in the Senate. He told The Oklahoman, “No. I’m trying to figure out who that offended because it was an enjoyable thing; people take things too seriously. ”

While Inhofe was also known for his support of conservative policies and for being outspoken, there were times in his career when he clashed with members of his own party. During the 2020 presidential election, Inhofe refused to back a delay of certification of the 2020 presidential election, drawing the anger of the GOP's right wing. He said doing so would have violated his oath of office.

In addition, Inhofe could, when the issue warranted, work well with his political opponents. On more than one occasion he partnered with Democratic Sen. Barbara Boxer of California on legislation. The pair battled for years over policy in the Environment and Public Works Committee but worked together to write sweeping highway and water project bills.

He was also known for his support of spending on infrastructure − including highways and aviation − and for his long-term support the armed forces. He championed increased funding for Oklahoma's military bases.

Retirement after COVID

Inhofe was reelected for a final six-year term in 2020, but retired two years into it. He attributed the decision in part to the lingering effects of COVID-19.

Just before leaving office, Inhofe co-wrote the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2023, which authorized more money than President Joe Biden requested for defense. The measure included more ships, planes and other Inhofe priorities. It also authorized major construction projects for Oklahoma military installations.

Under his tenure, Oklahoma’s bases prospered even at times when others lost missions. When the KC-46, the next generation of air refueling plane, was still on the drawing board, Inhofe made sure that training would be conducted at Altus Air Force Base and that maintenance will be performed at Tinker Air Force Base.

“It didn’t just happen,” Inhofe told The Oklahoman at the time. “It took a lot of work.”

Responding to Inhofe's death, Gov. Kevin Stitt ordered all state flags at half-staff.

"Sarah and I are saddened by the news of the passing of Senator Inhofe and our hearts go out to Kay, their children and grandchildren," the governor said in a media statement. "Jim was a generational Oklahoman who relentlessly championed our veterans, never wavered in protecting our values, and a firm believer in the American Dream. Jim will be remembered as a true statesman and public servant— and a fighter for Oklahoma. In honor of his memory and service, I'm ordering all flags on state property to be flown at half-staff until tomorrow evening."

Senate Republican leader Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., in a statement on Tuesday said "For nearly three decades, the Senator for Oklahoma lived up to his unique and distinguished middle name: Jim was a Mountain of a man."

"His relentless advocacy for American energy dominance unlocked new prosperity across the country. And his laser focus on growing and modernizing the U.S. military strengthened the security of the entire free world," McConnell added.

Neal McCaleb, president of the group Transportation Revenues Used Strictly for Transportation, said his organization mourned Inhofe's death.

"Senator Inhofe was a decades-long advocate for modernizing Oklahoma's surface transportation infrastructure and our citizenry is better off for it," McCaleb said. " "He was instrumental in focusing crucial federal dollars for a myriad of highway and bridge improvement initiatives, including major interstate projects.  Senator Inhofe always answered the bell  to support Oklahoma's transportation sectors."

One of the senator's colleagues, Tulsa Rep. 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 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.”

Inhofe wed Kay Kirkpatrick in 1959, and the couple had four children. He is preceded in death by his son, Perry Inhofe, who died in a plane crash in 2013.

Contributing: Darren Samuelsohn