
Tom Cole
Profile
Tom Cole is an American politician serving as the U.S. Representative for Oklahoma's 4th congressional district since 2003. An enrolled member of the Chickasaw Nation, he holds the distinction of being the longest-serving Native American in the history of Congress. In April 2024, he was elected chair of the House Appropriations Committee. Throughout his career, Cole has maintained a conservative voting record, focusing on military support, pro-business policies, and the advancement of Native American issues. Before his federal service, he held various roles in Oklahoma state government, including secretary of state, and worked as an educator and political strategist.
Details
- Born
- April 28, 1949 · 77 years old
- Birth place
- Shreveport, Louisiana
- Education
- Grinnell College (BA), Yale University (MA), University of Oklahoma (PhD)
- Career
- Assistant professor of history and politics, Oklahoma Secretary of State, Chief of Staff to the Republican National Committee


