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Oklahoma Government Leaders and Politicians

Hear and learn from the oral histories of Oklahoma's most influential government leaders, politicians, and how their work shaped the state of Oklahoma.

Learn From These Influential Oklahomans

Ann Bartlett

Ann Bartlett

Former First Lady of Oklahoma

Ann served the state of Oklahoma alongside her husband, Dewey Bartlett.

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Betty Boyd

Betty Boyd

Queen of Tulsa TV

Tulsa's unlikely TV personality and state legislator who captured the hearts of many.

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Bill Anoatubby

Bill Anoatubby

Governor, Chickasaw Nation

As leader of the Chickasaw Nation since 1987, the governor has shepherded it to social and financial stability.

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Buddy Fallis

Buddy Fallis

Tulsa County District Attorney

As a prosecutor for Tulsa County, he has taken some of the most notorious criminals to court.

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Carrie Dickerson

Carrie Dickerson

Black Fox Nuclear Plant Protester

An unlikely activist, she educated herself about nuclear energy and risked everything to stop the Black Fox Plant.

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David Hall

David Hall

Former Oklahoma Governor

He won Oklahoma's closest gubernatorial race to become the state's 20th governor.

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David L. Boren

David L. Boren

Politician

The first person in state history to hold office as governor, U.S. Senator, and President of the University of Oklahoma.

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David Walters

David Walters

Former Oklahoma Governor, Founder of Walters Power International

A business and public policy enthusiast, David Walters founded Walters Power International and was the 24th Governor of the State of Oklahoma.

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Denzil Garrison

Denzil Garrison

State Legislator

After serving the US in WWII and the Korean War, he served Oklahoma in both state houses.

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Enoch Kelly Haney

Enoch Kelly Haney

State Legislator, Seminole Chief, and Artist

Native son with a heart to serve people; as a politician, Seminole Chief, and an internationally-recognized artist.

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Ernestine Dillard

Ernestine Dillard

Singer

Her passionate, award-winning voice has taken her across the globe and brought joy and comfort to many.

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Frank Keating

Frank Keating

Former Governor of Oklahoma

As governor of Oklahoma in 1995, he guided our state through the aftermath of the Oklahoma City Bombing.

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Fred Harris

Fred Harris

Former Oklahoma Senator

Served as a United States Senator for Oklahoma from November 4th, 1964 to January 3rd, 1973.

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Frosty Troy

Frosty Troy

Journalist and Editor

Member of the Oklahoma Journalism Hall of Fame and nationally-acclaimed advocate for public education.

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George Nigh

George Nigh

Former Oklahoma Governor

George served four different terms as governor, more than anyone else in state history.

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Henry Bellmon

Henry Bellmon

Former Governor & Senator

From the farm, to the war, to the Governor's mansion. Then finally back to the farm.

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James R. Jones

James R. Jones

Politician and Lawyer

His distinguished career in politics includes time spent on LBJ's staff, as well as serving as the U.S. Ambassador to Mexico.

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Jeannie McDaniel

Jeannie McDaniel

Former Oklahoma Congresswoman

Dedicated more than 25 years to bettering her city and state, while also becoming an accomplished distance runner.

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Jim Hewgley

Jim Hewgley

Former Mayor of Tulsa

An oilman who was instrumental in advancing Tulsa's economic and social landscape.

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Jim Inhofe

Jim Inhofe

U.S. Senator

Oklahoma U.S. Senator, army veteran, businessman, pilot, and former Tulsa mayor.

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Joe Morris

Joe Morris

Former US District Court Chief Judge

A lover of law whose remarkable career includes serving as U.S. District Court Chief Judge.

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John Massey

John Massey

Entrepreneur, State Politician, and Philanthropist

John L. Massey, a true Oklahoma success story, built a remarkable career that spanned politics, business, banking, entrepreneurial education, and philanthropy.

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L. Francis Rooney III

L. Francis Rooney III

Manhattan Construction and U.S. Ambassador

A leader on the homefront at Manhattan Construction and former U.S. Ambassador to the Vatican.

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LaDonna Harris

LaDonna Harris

Social Activist and Politician

A loyal and tireless advocate for the civil liberties of women and Native Americans.

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Lee Roy West

Lee Roy West

Federal Judge

"Life should be fun." Wests's refreshing motto has been his guide for over 80 years.

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Marian Opala

Marian Opala

Oklahoma Supreme Court Justice

From the Polish underground to the Oklahoma Supreme Court.

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Maxine Horner

Maxine Horner

Former Oklahoma Senator

One of the first African-American women in the Oklahoma State Senate, serving from 1986 to 2004.

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Neal McCaleb

Neal McCaleb

State Legislator; Chickasaw Nation, DOT

A determined civil engineer, member of the Chickasaw Nation, and Republican politician.

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Norma Eagleton

Norma Eagleton

Public Official and Lawyer

A pioneering public official and true servant to her community and fellow citizens.

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Paul Thornbrugh

Paul Thornbrugh

Politician and Businessman

Known as "Mr. Republican," Paul was a businessman, patriot, public servant, politician, and -- most proudly -- a family man.

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Penny Williams

Penny Williams

State Senator

A political champion for education in the state of Oklahoma and the city of Tulsa.

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Robert J. LaFortune

Robert J. LaFortune

Former Mayor of Tulsa

A native Tulsan and father of six, LaFortune shaped his city through civic leadership and public service.

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Ron Norick

Ron Norick

Former Mayor of Oklahoma City

A tireless civic leader and businessman who never lost faith in Oklahoma City.

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Stephanie Seymour

Stephanie Seymour

U.S. Court of Appeals Judge

With a strong will and encouragement from family, she's been blazing trails for women in law since 1965.

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Tom Coburn

Tom Coburn

Former Oklahoma Congressman & Senator

A physician and Republican politician known for being fiscally and socially conservative.

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Wes Watkins

Wes Watkins

Former Oklahoma Congressman

Determination and leadership led him from rural Oklahoma agriculture to 02 years as a congressman.

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