Tom Cole is currently serving his third term representing the Fourth Congressional District in the United States House of Representatives. Raised in Moore, Oklahoma, Tom's service to the State of Oklahoma has been extensive. He has served as the District Director to Congressman Mickey Edwards, in the Oklahoma State Senate, and as Oklahoma's first Republican Secretary of State (1995-99).
Governor Frank Keating tapped Secretary of State Tom Cole to lead Oklahoma's effort to secure federal funds to assist in the rebuilding effort in the wake of the Oklahoma City bombing. Cole also served as the Governor's liaison to the state's federal congressional delegation, giving Cole skills he continues to draw from as our current Congressman.
In addition to his public service, Tom Cole is a successful businessman who founded one of the nation's top consulting and research firms. From 1989 until his election to Congress in 2002, Tom served as the President of Cole Hargrave Snodgrass and Associates. In that capacity Tom Cole was recognized as one of the country's top political strategists. Having served as both the Executive Director as well as the Chairman of the Oklahoma Republican Party, Tom went on to serve as the Executive Director of the National Republican Congressional Committee, as well as the Chief of Staff at the Republican National Committee.
In Congress, Tom Cole has been an effective voice for Southwest Oklahoma and our mainstream conservative values. He has been a tireless advocate for a strong national defense and for our soldiers and veterans. He has been a champion for small businesses, farmers, and the taxpayers. As the only enrolled member of an Indian tribe to serve in Congress, he is widely recognized for his leadership on issues dealing with Native Americans.
In March of 2007, the National Congress of American Indians recognized Congressman Tom Cole for his outstanding leadership to Native American communities and presented Tom the Congressional Leadership Award. Congressman Cole serves on the House Armed Services Committee and the Committee on Natural Resources. In addition, he serves as a Deputy Whip.
In 2007, after completing just two terms in the House, Congressman Tom Cole was elected by his peers to return to the National Republican Congressional Committee as it's Chairman. In his role as Chairman, Cole serves as the principal Republican strategist and advisor to Republican U.S. congressional candidates running in the 2008 cycle.
A former college professor in history and politics, Cole is a graduate of Moore High School and has been a Watson Fellow (1971-72) and a Fulbright Fellow (1977-78) at the University of London. He holds a B.A. from Grinnell College, an M.A. from Yale University, and a Ph.D. from the University of Oklahoma. He also served as a board member for the national Fulbright Association.
Tom Cole is a fifth generation Oklahoman and is an enrolled member of the Chickasaw Nation. Public service is a tradition in Tom's family. Tom's late mother, Helen Cole, served as both a state representative and state senator from Moore. Tom's late father, John, forged a successful career in the United States Air Force as a soldier and later as a civilian employee at Tinker Air Force Base.
Tom and his wife, Ellen, have one son, Mason, and reside in Moore, Oklahoma.