1. Mary Fallin: A Trailblazing Oklahoma Politician
2. Political Career
3. U.S. Representative
4. Governor of Oklahoma
5. Later Career

Mary Fallin: A Trailblazing Oklahoma Politician

Early Life and Education

Mary Fallin, born Mary Copeland on December 9, 1954, in Warrensburg, Missouri, is the daughter of Mary Jo and Joseph Newton Copeland. Her parents both served as mayors of Tecumseh, Oklahoma, where she grew up. After graduating from Tecumseh High School, Mary attended the Baptist University of Shawnee and the University of Central Oklahoma in Edmond. She later earned her Bachelor of Science degree from Oklahoma State University.

Political Career

State Representative and Lieutenant Governor

Mary Fallin began her political career in 1990 when she was elected to the Oklahoma House of Representatives. In 1995, she made history as the first woman and Republican to be elected Lieutenant Governor of Oklahoma. As Lieutenant Governor, Fallin presided over the State Senate and served on ten boards and commissions. Throughout her twelve years in this role, she pursued an aggressive agenda focused on economic development, education, healthcare, and state government reforms.

U.S. Representative

On November 7, 2006, Fallin was elected to the United States House of Representatives, defeating Democrat Paul David Hunter. She became the first woman elected to Congress from Oklahoma since 1921. She resigned as Lieutenant Governor on January 2, 2007, and was sworn into Congress on January 4, 2007. Fallin was reelected to the House in 2008.

During her tenure in the House, Fallin served on the House Armed Services Committee, the House Small Business Committee, and the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee. She also served on the executive committee of the National Republican Congressional Committee, chaired the Republican Policy Committee, and was vice-chair of the Congressional Women's Forum.

Governor of Oklahoma

In September 2009, Fallin announced her intention to run for Governor of Oklahoma. She won the Republican primary, receiving 136,477 votes compared to her closest rival, state senator Randy Brogdon, who received 98,170 votes. In the November 2, 2010, general election, Fallin defeated Democratic candidate Jari Askins, winning 60% of the vote to Askins's 39%. She became the first female governor of Oklahoma. Fallin was sworn into office on January 10, 2011.

Later Career

Following her term as Governor, Mary Fallin continued to be active in politics and public service. She became a senior political analyst for Fox News and served on various boards and commissions. In 2022, President Joe Biden appointed Fallin as a member of the Amtrak board of directors.

Politics