New Members 2010 - Oklahoma

REP.-ELECT JAMES LANKFORD (R-OKLA.-05)

Date of Birth: March 4, 1968
Birthplace: Dallas
Residence: Edmond, Okla.
Occupation: Former director of Falls Creek summer camp
Education: B.S., University of Texas; master’s degree in divinity, Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary 
Previous Office Held: None
Family: Wife, Cindy; two children

James Lankford parlayed his almost 15 years as the head of the nation’s largest Christian youth camp and his lack of any experience in state or federal elected office into a surprise win over the Republican establishment’s candidate.

After coming out ahead in the seven-candidate primary, Lankford soundly defeated former state lawmaker Kevin Calvey in the runoff for the seat vacated by gubernatorial candidate and two-term congresswoman Mary Fallin (R). Lankford won the general election in a district that hasn’t elected a Democrat since 1974.

During the campaign, Lankford vowed to be a “reliable conservative Republican” and a strong advocate for states’ rights. 

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