James Lankford has represented Oklahoma in the U.S. Senate since 2015, after first winning a special election. Before politics, he ran one of the largest Baptist youth camps in the country, which shaped his identity as a faith-driven social conservative.
In Washington, he leans hard on border security, spending cuts, and religious liberty. He’s also deeply engaged in budget oversight and anti-waste efforts, pushing the line that “Washington shouldn't spend what it doesn't have.”
Lankford is broadly seen as a disciplined cultural conservative — fierce on abortion and gender issues — and a reliable vote for deregulation and tax cuts. He’s popular with Oklahoma’s Republican base and rarely faces serious in-state opposition.
Right Wing Populist
Achievements
- Longtime advocate for religious freedom and protections for faith-based institutions
- Led bipartisan work on budget transparency and anti-waste government audits
- Pushed for tighter border security and immigration enforcement
- Backed major GOP tax reform and deregulation packages
- Supported anti-human trafficking legislation with bipartisan backing
Controversies
- Initially aligned with efforts to challenge 2020 election results, then reversed under pressure — angering both sides
- Criticized for hardline positions on abortion and LGBTQ+ protections
- Opposed large COVID relief bills as “reckless spending,” drawing backlash from Democrats
- Accused by some Oklahoma populists of being too loyal to party leadership, not confrontational enough
- Immigration rhetoric drew pushback from immigrant advocacy groups
Top Donors
| Donor | Total | Individuals | PACs |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pro-Israel America PAC | $167,600 | $167,600 | $0 |
| Williams Companies | $54,500 | $44,500 | $10,000 |
| National Republican Senatorial Cmte | $51,200 | $0 | $51,200 |
| NorPAC | $39,950 | $34,950 | $5,000 |
| Apollo Global Management | $29,500 | $29,500 | $0 |
Amounts shown reflect organization-linked giving; most funds listed here are from individual donors or aligned PACs.
Recent Elections
2014 Margin R +38.5%
2022 Margin R +31.3%