Alex Cameron on the passing of former Oklahoma Gov. and U.S. Sen. David Boren

Oklahoma leaders are reacting to the passing of David Boren, a towering figure in the state's political history who served as governor, U.S. senator, and later, president of the University of Oklahoma. Boren, 83, died Thursday, according to his family.

“He really was a giant in Oklahoma politics and very, very well respected, not only in Oklahoma but certainly here in Washington, D.C.,” said News 9 Washington Bureau Chief Alex Cameron. “There’s only one member of the current congressional delegation who shared any time at all in Washington with him. That’s Frank Lucas.”

Lucas briefly overlapped with Boren in 1994 as the senator was leaving office to become OU’s president. Statements from Lucas and Rep. Tom Cole, whose district includes the University of Oklahoma, are expected later today, Cameron said.

“I’ve reached out to Senator Don Nichols. Nichols and Boren, of course, served together here in Washington,” Cameron said. “Nichols is in D.C. still these days. He has a consulting firm here. So I’ve reached out to try and get a comment from him.”

Boren was known for his bipartisan approach and leadership in the Senate, particularly during his tenure as chairman of the Senate Intelligence Committee. He played a key role in shaping U.S. foreign policy, including bipartisan opposition to South Africa’s apartheid regime and U.S. policy in Central America.

“He worked closely with both sides, across both sides of the aisle,” Cameron said. “But more than anything, David Boren was a statesman. And I think that’s how people will remember him, certainly here.”

Boren, who was born in Washington, D.C., came from a family with a deep political legacy. His father, Lyle Boren, served in Congress, and his son, Dan Boren, represented Oklahoma in the U.S. House for four terms.

“He is going to be fondly remembered here in the nation’s capital,” Cameron said.

As tributes continue to pour in, Oklahoma leaders are expected to share their reflections on Boren’s legacy throughout the day.

RELATED: Oklahoma leaders, institutions react to death of former Gov. Boren