David Boren's key policies & impact on Oklahoma politics

David Boren, the 21st Governor of Oklahoma who later represented the state in the U.S. Senate and served as president of the University of Oklahoma, died at 83. Boren passed away on Thursday, according to his family. Bob Burke, a family spokesperson, said Boren was at home surrounded by family at the time of his death.

Early Political Career and Governorship

Boren began his political career in 1967 when he was elected to the Oklahoma House of Representatives, serving four terms until 1974. During this time, he also practiced law in Seminole, served as a captain in the Oklahoma Army National Guard, and chaired the social sciences department at Oklahoma Baptist University, according to the University of Oklahoma.

In 1974, Boren launched a gubernatorial campaign with the now-famous “Boren Broom Brigade,” pledging to “sweep out the Old Guard” and reform state government. His platform focused on government transparency, campaign finance reform, and corrections improvements. He won the election against Republican James M. Inhofe and became the nation’s youngest governor at the time, inaugurated at age 33 on January 12, 1975, according to the Oklahoma State Government.

As governor, Boren made significant changes to Oklahoma’s political landscape, focusing on modernizing and streamlining state government. He championed tax cuts, state government reorganization, corrections reform, and increased funding for education. Under his leadership, the state passed "sunset" legislation, eliminating more than 100 state agencies and eliminating inefficiencies Boren said had been holding the state back. Boren also fought for workers' compensation reform, which had a lasting effect on Oklahoma's labor landscape.

Nationally, Boren gained recognition during the 1970s energy crisis for advocating the deregulation of natural gas prices. This earned him an appointment by President Jimmy Carter to chair a national energy task force, marking Oklahoma as a key player in shaping U.S. energy policy, as stated by the University of Oklahoma.

Key Policies Impacting Oklahoma

Boren's political career was defined by several key policies that shaped Oklahoma and left a lasting impact on the state:

1. Government Reform: Boren's advocacy for transparency in government led to the passage of "sunset" legislation, streamlining state agencies and making government operations more efficient, according to the State of Oklahoma.
2. Education Funding: As governor and later as president of the University of Oklahoma, Boren placed a strong emphasis on education. His policies focused on increasing funding for public schools and higher education, setting the stage for future investments in Oklahoma’s educational system. His work as president of OU further cemented his legacy in the state's education system, according to the University of Oklahoma.
3. Economic Development: Boren focused on economic initiatives that would enhance the state’s future. His leadership attracted major infrastructure projects and financial support to the state. He also took bold steps in advocating for industry deregulation, including the oil and gas sector, helping Oklahoma navigate the volatile energy landscape of the 1970s, according to the Oklahoma State Government.
4. Bipartisanship: Boren’s ability to navigate political divides was instrumental in shaping Oklahoma’s political culture. Whether passing reform legislation as governor or pushing for tax cuts and government reorganization, Boren worked with both parties to pass sweeping reforms that benefited the state

U.S. Senate Career

In 1978, Boren announced his candidacy for the U.S. Senate, vowing to take his reform agenda to Washington. He won the election and served three terms, establishing himself as a bipartisan leader and expert in political compromise. As chairman of the Senate Intelligence Committee, he played a key role in national security and intelligence oversight. He was re-elected twice before resigning in 1994.

Boren’s work in Washington continued to reflect his Oklahoma roots. He brought national attention to Oklahoma’s issues, working to secure federal funding and support for critical infrastructure projects. His leadership in Washington also helped raise the profile of Oklahoma on the national stage, solidifying his influence on both state and national politics, according to the University of Oklahoma.

President of the University of Oklahoma

Boren left the Senate in 1994 to become president of the University of Oklahoma. Under his leadership, OU saw significant financial growth, securing major contributions and positioning the university among the best-funded institutions in the nation. He also founded the Oklahoma Foundation for Excellence to support education initiatives, the University of Oklahoma said.

Boren’s impact on Oklahoma politics extended into his work as president of OU, where he continued to shape the state’s educational landscape. His focus on expanding access to higher education and increasing scholarship opportunities created new pathways for students across the state. His tenure saw substantial improvements to campus facilities, including new academic buildings and student housing, contributing to Oklahoma’s development as a hub for higher education, the University of Oklahoma reported.

Legacy in Oklahoma Politics

David Boren’s influence on Oklahoma politics remains evident in the policies and reforms he championed, which continue to shape the state today. His bipartisan approach to governance set a tone for future leaders in Oklahoma, with many following in his footsteps to work across party lines for the state’s benefit.

Following his passing on Thursday, leaders and institutions across Oklahoma are reacting to the death of the former governor, senator, and university president.

You can read those here: Oklahoma leaders, institutions react to death of former Gov. Boren

Tributes have poured in recognizing his monumental contributions to governance, education, and bipartisanship, especially his dedication to Oklahoma’s future. His legacy will live on in the institutions he built, the policies he passed, and the many Oklahomans who continue to benefit from his work, according to the University of Oklahoma and Oklahoma State Government.

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