Most Talked-About Controversies Linked to James Lankford

By Popular Timelines Editorial Team · Updated: April 6, 2025

Controversies are a part of history. Explore the biggest scandals linked to James Lankford.

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.

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Full Timeline Career & Achievements Controversies & Scandals

1921: Tulsa Leaders Called for Lankford's Resignation

In January 2021, after James Lankford questioned the validity of the 2020 presidential election, some Black Tulsa leaders called for him to resign from the 1921 Race Massacre Centennial Committee and the Senate, citing his false fraud allegations as an attack on Black voters.

2004: Oklahoma Question 711 Passed

In 2004, Oklahoma Question 711, a constitutional ban on same-sex marriage and civil unions, passed with 75% of the vote and remained law until 2014.

2010: Lankford Called Climate Change a Myth

In 2010, James Lankford called climate change a "myth", rejecting the scientific consensus.

2013: Lankford Condemned Supreme Court Decision on DOMA

In 2013, James Lankford condemned the Supreme Court decision striking down parts of the Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA).

2013: Lankford Defended Phil Robertson

In 2013, James Lankford defended Phil Robertson after he was suspended from Duck Dynasty following comments regarded as anti-LGBT and racist, attacking A&E for the suspension.

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2014: Federal Judge Struck Down Oklahoma's Ban on Same-Sex Marriage

In 2014, a federal judge struck down Oklahoma Question 711 as unconstitutional, prompting Lankford to assert that "marriage is a state issue and Oklahoma has spoken."

2015: Lankford Condemned Supreme Court Ruling in Obergefell v. Hodges

In 2015, James Lankford condemned the Supreme Court ruling in Obergefell v. Hodges, which held that same-sex marriage bans violated the constitution.

2018: Lankford Criticized Funding of Climate Change Reporting

In 2018, James Lankford criticized the National Science Foundation for funding projects to increase reporting on climate change in weathercasts, calling it "propagandizing."

June 2020: Lankford Criticized Trump's Church Visit and Discussed Racism

In June 2020, James Lankford criticized President Trump's decision to walk to St John's Episcopal Church, calling it "confrontational". He also discussed racism and the need for families to build friendships across ethnic lines.

2020: Lankford Planned to Object to Electoral Votes

In 2020, James Lankford initially announced plans to object to the counting of some swing states' electoral votes as part of an attempt to overturn the 2020 United States presidential election.

2020: Tulsa Leaders Called for Lankford's Resignation

January 2021: Tulsa Leaders Called for Lankford's Resignation

May 28, 2021: Lankford Voted Against January 6 Commission

On May 28, 2021, James Lankford voted against creating the January 6 commission.

2021: Lankford Reversed Course on Electoral Vote Objection After Capitol Attack

In 2021, James Lankford reversed course on his plans to object to the counting of some swing states' electoral votes after the January 6th United States Capitol attack. He later apologized for casting doubt on the validity of the election results.