James Lankford

James Lankford is a Republican United States Senator from Oklahoma, first elected to the Senate in a 2014 special election to succeed retiring Senator Tom Coburn. He previously served in the U.S. House of Representatives from 2011 to 2015, representing Oklahoma's 5th congressional district. Lankford earned a Bachelor of Science in Secondary Education from the University of Texas at Austin and a Master of Divinity from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary. Before entering politics, he spent over a decade as the director of Falls Creek Youth Camp, one of the largest Christian youth camps in the United States. He was first elected to Congress during the 2010 midterm elections. Throughout his congressional career, Lankford has held several leadership roles, including serving as Chairman of the House Republican Policy Committee and Chair of the Senate Committee on Ethics. He has been an advocate for government efficiency and fiscal transparency, notably through his annual "Federal Fumbles" report, which highlights government waste. Lankford is an ordained Southern Baptist minister and often references his faith and community background in his approach to public service.

Lankford's policy positions reflect a conservative platform focused on fiscal responsibility, religious liberty, and national security. He is an opponent of the Affordable Care Act and has voted for its repeal, favoring market-based healthcare alternatives. On fiscal matters, he advocates for reduced federal spending, deregulation, and lower taxes to stimulate economic growth. Lankford is a prominent advocate for religious freedom and has consistently supported pro-life legislation throughout his tenure. In the realm of immigration, Lankford has emphasized the need for enhanced border security and was a lead negotiator for a 2024 bipartisan border security bill, though he generally aligns with strict enforcement measures. Regarding foreign policy, he is a supporter of Israel and has opposed the Iran nuclear deal. Additionally, he supports the development of domestic energy resources, particularly oil and natural gas, while also promoting government accountability through legislative oversight and reform.