Retiring Oklahoma GOP Sen. Jim Inhofe, who is often regarded as one of the most conservative lawmakers on Capitol Hill, gave his farewell speech Wednesday on the Senate floor as his nearly 35-year political career comes to a close.
Inhofe announced his retirement earlier this year before the end of his term, which teed up a November special election for his replacement. Rep. Markwayne Mullin (R-OK) won the election earlier this month to replace Inhofe beginning in January.
“I had the privilege of serving with many great titans for a fairly long period of time,” Inhofe said. “Some people thought maybe too long.”
MARKWAYNE MULLIN WINS OKLAHOMA SENATE SEAT VACATED BY JIM INHOFE
? OKLAHOMA’S JIM INHOFE BIDS FAREWELL TO THE SENATE@JimInhofe today gave his farewell address to the U.S. Senate, where he’s served since 1994. Inhofe will retire at the end of the current Congress in January. @OKCFOX pic.twitter.com/C06b3YyDuD
— Dan Snyder (@DanSnyderFOX25) November 16, 2022
Inhofe was elected to the Senate in 1994 and has represented Oklahoma in the nation’s capital since 1987.
During his speech, the longtime Sooner State senator acknowledged the Democratic and Republican colleagues he worked alongside over the years to achieve bipartisan legislation.
“Barbara Boxer and I got things done,” Inhofe said of the former Democratic California senator. Inhofe and Boxer alternated as chairs and ranking members of the Environment and Public Works Committee, which is responsible in part for authorizing federal highway funding.
The Oklahoma senator also acknowledged Sen. Jack Reed (D-RI) and their work together leading the Senate Armed Services Committee, which is responsible for the annual defense authorization bill.
Inhofe and Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) also exchanged kind words on Wednesday, with the Kentucky senator issuing a congratulations on his “extraordinary career of service to the state into our country.”
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Before concluding his speech, Inhofe said, “I could never imagine I’d be standing here today with 20 kids and grandkids saying goodbye.”
“To the people of Oklahoma, I really thank what you’ve done for me all these years. I love you guys,” Inhofe said.
