Tom Cole

American politician

Thomas Jeffery Cole (born April 28, 1949) is an American politician. He is the U.S. representative for Oklahoma's 4th congressional district, serving since 2003. He is a member of the Republican Party. He was chairman of the National Republican Congressional Committee (NRCC) from 2006 to 2008.

Tom Cole
Ranking Member of the House Rules Committee
Assumed office
January 3, 2019
Preceded byJim McGovern
Member of the U.S. House of Representatives
from Oklahoma's 4th district
Assumed office
January 3, 2003
Preceded byJ. C. Watts
26th Secretary of State of Oklahoma
In office
January 9, 1995 – March 16, 1999
GovernorFrank Keating
Preceded byGlo Henley
Succeeded byMike Hunter
Member of the Oklahoma Senate
from the 45th district
In office
November 1988 – July 1991
Preceded byHelen Cole
Succeeded byHelen Cole
Personal details
Born
Thomas Jeffery Cole

(1949-04-28) April 28, 1949 (age 75)
Shreveport, Louisiana, U.S.
NationalityUnited States
Chickasaw Nation
Political partyRepublican
Spouse(s)
Ellen Decker
(m. 1971)
RelationsHelen Cole (mother)
Children1
EducationGrinnell College (BA)
Yale University (MA)
University of Oklahoma (PhD)
WebsiteHouse website

He is a member of the Chickasaw Nation. Cole is one of four Native Americans in Congress who are tribal members. In 2022, Cole became the longest-serving Native American in the history of Congress.[1][2]

References

change
  1. Press Pool. "Cole becomes longest serving Native American in the House, proud of his record as a champion for Indian Country". indiancountrytoday.com.
  2. "Cole becomes longest-serving Native American in history". The Oklahoman. April 23, 2022.[permanent dead link]