Rise to Success: Career Highlights of James Lankford

How James Lankford built a successful career. Explore key moments that defined the journey.

James Paul Lankford is an American Baptist minister and a Republican politician currently serving as the senior United States Senator from Oklahoma since 2015. Before his Senate tenure, Lankford represented Oklahoma's 5th congressional district in the U.S. House of Representatives from 2011 to 2015. His background as a minister informs his political views and engagement.

Sections (3)

Full Timeline Career & Achievements Controversies & Scandals

1996: Lankford Became President of Falls Creek Baptist Conference Center

In 1996, Lankford became president of the Falls Creek Baptist Conference Center.

2009: Lankford Stepped Down From Falls Creek

In 2009, Lankford stepped down from his position as president at Falls Creek Baptist Conference Center to run for Congress.

2010: Lankford runs for Oklahoma's 5th congressional district

In 2010, James Lankford ran for Oklahoma's 5th congressional district. He won the Republican primary after defeating Kevin Calvey in a runoff, and then he defeated Democratic nominee Billy Coyle in the general election.

2012: Lankford defeated Tom Guild and named chairman of the House Republican Policy Committee

In 2012, Lankford defeated Democrat Tom Guild with 59% of the vote. Following the election, he was named chairman of the House Republican Policy Committee.

June 2014: Lankford Won Republican Primary

In June 2014, Lankford won the Republican primary for the U.S. Senate special election, defeating T.W. Shannon and Randy Brogdon.

January 6, 2015: Lankford Sworn into Office

On January 6, 2015, James Lankford was sworn into office as a United States Senator by Vice President Joe Biden.

2016: Lankford Reelected to the Senate

In 2016, Lankford was elected to a full six-year term in the Senate, defeating Mike Workman with 68% of the vote.

December 21, 2017: Lankford Introduced Secure Elections Act

On December 21, 2017, James Lankford was one of six senators to introduce the Secure Elections Act, which would authorize block grants to states to update outdated voting technology.

August 2018: Lankford Urged Sanctions Against Chinese Officials

In August 2018, James Lankford, along with Marco Rubio and other lawmakers, urged the Trump administration to impose sanctions under the Global Magnitsky Act against Chinese officials responsible for human rights abuses in Xinjiang.