David Boren, former Oklahoma governor and senator, dies at 83
David Boren, the former governor of Oklahoma and long-serving U.S. senator, passed away at the age of 83. He was the last Democratic senator from Oklahoma, serving from 1979 to 1994 after a single term as governor. His son, Dan boren, reflected on his father’s dedication to public service, highlighting the many lives he positively impacted. fellow politicians, including Oklahoma House Democratic Leader Cynthia Munson, expressed their condolences and acknowledged Boren’s significant contributions to the state, which extended beyond politics to his roles as a family man.
During his senate career, Boren was the longest-serving chairman of the Senate Select Committee on Intelligence and played a key role in shaping U.S. policy in Nicaragua during the 1980s. After his Senate tenure, he became the president of the University of Oklahoma, though his later years were marred by allegations of sexual misconduct, which did not lead to any legal action. Boren is survived by his wife, molly Shi Boren, and two children, including Dan, who is a former congressman. Additionally, Boren authored the legislation that established the National Security Education Program and the Boren Awards, which continue to support students in national security studies today.
David Boren, former Oklahoma governor and senator, dies at 83
David Boren, the former governor of Oklahoma and longtime senator, died Thursday at 83.
Boren was the last Democratic lawmaker to represent Oklahoma in the United States Senate, where he served from 1979 until 1994. Boren tied with J. Howard Edmondson as the state’s youngest governor before joining Congress after serving a single term.
“He saw public service as a noble calling and dedicated his life to it,” Dan Boren, Boren’s son, said in a statement. “The countless heartwarming stories I hear almost daily from people across this state who he helped are reminders of his remarkable life. We shall cherish the memory of his service and remarkable life.”
“I’m saddened about the loss of David Boren. He made significant contributions to OK as Governor, US Senator, & President of @UofOklahoma—more importantly, as husband, father, & grandfather,” Oklahoma House Democratic Leader Cynthia Munson wrote on X. “I send my love to the Boren family & all who love & will miss him. May he rest in peace.”
While in the Senate, Boren became the longest-serving chairman of the Senate Select Committee on Intelligence. Boren maintained his seat because Democrats select and keep chairs on a seat-by-seat basis, while Republicans function on a seniority basis. Boren’s legacy included establishing policy in Nicaragua, mostly during the conflict between the Contras and the Sandinistas during President George H.W. Bush’s term.
After leaving his seat in the Senate, which has been filled by Republican senators ever since. Boren became President of the University of Oklahoma. Boren taught a single, infrequent class on government during his time at the university. A year after he left, allegations of sexual misconduct with male subordinates, including a student, arose against him. However, these allegations did not result in charges or civil litigation.
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In the early 90’s Boren authored legislation that created the National Security Education Program and, subsequently, the Boren Awards, a scholarship that continues today. The funds go to students interested in national security and public service, as Boren was.
Boren is survived by his wife, Molly Shi Boren, and two children, including Dan, a former Oklahoma congressman and now secretary of commerce for the Chickasaw Nation.
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