Rise to Success: Career Highlights of George Nigh

By Popular Timelines Editorial Team · Updated: July 31, 2025

How George Nigh built a successful career. Explore key moments that defined the journey.

George Nigh is an American politician who served as the 17th and 22nd Governor of Oklahoma. He also served as the 8th and 10th Lieutenant Governor. Nigh holds the distinction of being the first Oklahoma governor to be re-elected. Notably, he was also the first to win all 77 counties in the state during an election. He twice assumed the governorship due to vacancies while serving as Lieutenant Governor, highlighting his significant role in Oklahoma's political history.

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Full Timeline Career & Achievements

1945: Graduation and enlistment in the Navy

In 1945, George Nigh graduated from McAlester High School and joined the United States Navy, serving on the USS Ranger.

1946: Leaving the Navy to attend college

In 1946, George Nigh left the Navy to attend college.

1950: Graduation and Election

In 1950, George Nigh graduated from East Central University with a teaching degree and was also elected to the Oklahoma House of Representatives.

1951: Service in the Oklahoma House of Representatives

From 1951 to 1959, Nigh alternated between service in the Oklahoma House of Representatives, and as a teacher in the McAlester public schools.

1954: Berry in the primary

In 1954, Cowboy Pink Williams finished second behind incumbent lieutenant governor James E. Berry in the Democratic primary, before besting him in the runoff.

1958: Run for Lieutenant Governor

In 1958, George Nigh ran for Lieutenant Governor of Oklahoma and won. He beat Republican George B. Sherritt in a landslide.

January 12, 1959: Nigh became the youngest lieutenant governor

On January 12, 1959, George Nigh took office as Lieutenant Governor of Oklahoma at age 31, becoming the youngest lieutenant governor in the United States.

1962: Failed Gubernatorial Run

In 1962, George Nigh ran for Governor of Oklahoma but came in fourth in the Democratic primary.

January 3, 1963: End of First Term as Lieutenant Governor

On January 3, 1963, George Nigh's first term as Lieutenant Governor of Oklahoma came to an end.

1966: Re-election of Nigh

In 1966, George Nigh was re-elected as Lieutenant Governor of Oklahoma.

January 9, 1967: Swearing in as lieutenant governor

On January 9, 1967, George Nigh was sworn in as lieutenant governor.

1969: Assistance to college students

In 1969, George Nigh assisted a number of college students with the creation and founding of the “Oklahoma Intercollegiate Legislature”.

1970: Nigh wins Re-election

In 1970, George Nigh was re-elected as Lieutenant Governor of Oklahoma.

1974: Nigh wins Re-election

In 1974, George Nigh was re-elected as Lieutenant Governor of Oklahoma.

1978: Gubernatorial Election Victory

In 1978, George Nigh won the election and became the Governor of Oklahoma.

January 3, 1979: End of term as Lieutenant Governor

On January 3, 1979, George Nigh's term as the tenth lieutenant governor came to an end.

1982: Re-election as Governor

In 1982, George Nigh was re-elected as Governor of Oklahoma, becoming the first governor to be re-elected and carrying all 77 counties.

1986: Executive Branch Reform Act of 1986

In 1986, during his second term as governor, George Nigh signed the Executive Branch Reform Act of 1986 into law, regrouping the executive branch into agency function categories.