OKLAHOMA CITY, OK — The Oklahoma Democratic Party mourns the loss of David Boren, a towering figure in Oklahoma politics whose leadership and public service reshaped the state. Boren, who served as Oklahoma’s 21st governor, a three-term U.S. senator, and later president of the University of Oklahoma, was 83.

"David Boren was a transformational leader whose influence is evident throughout Oklahoma," said Oklahoma Democratic Party Chair Alicia Andrews. "He was steadfast in his pursuit of reform, education, and progress. His impact on our state is profound and enduring."

Boren was born into a family dedicated to public service—his father, Lyle Boren, served as a U.S. Representative from 1937 to 1947. He entered politics in 1967 as a state representative before becoming governor in 1975 at 33—the youngest in the nation at the time. His administration brought open government laws, corrections reform, campaign finance transparency, and tax reductions. His 1974 campaign, symbolized by the Boren Broom Brigade, promised to sweep corruption out of Oklahoma politics.

In 1978, Boren carried his reform agenda to Washington, winning a seat in the U.S. Senate, where he served three terms as a bipartisan leader. As chairman of the Senate Intelligence Committee, he shaped national security policy and championed campaign finance reform. He later authored the National Security Education Act of 1992, creating programs to promote foreign language and cultural studies.

Beyond his work in national security, Boren was also a steadfast advocate for education, laying the groundwork for policies that expanded learning opportunities at both the state and national levels.

After leaving the Senate in 1994, Boren became president of the University of Oklahoma, leading efforts that expanded scholarships, academic programs, and global study opportunities.

Under Boren’s tenure, students benefited from record-breaking scholarships, the creation of the Honors College, and expanded global study programs. He also secured the first state funding for gifted and talented education, ensuring more students had access to high-quality learning.

“David L. Boren has had a direct positive impact on the lives of more people than probably any other Oklahoman in my lifetime” said Jeff Berrong, a student employee in the OU President’s Office (2002-2004) who served on the campaign and congressional staffs of his son Dan Boren. “I proudly count myself as one of the many hundreds of people that he kindly helped to guide and elevate in their vocations and pursuits. Then there’s the hundreds of thousands of people, most of whom don’t even realize it, whose lives have been enriched from his leadership and vision as governor, U.S. senator, and president of OU. President Boren showed us again and again how much good can be accomplished by working together in a bipartisan fashion. We should all be thankful for his lifetime of service to our state and nation.”

Boren remained committed to civic engagement and education, always working to uplift the next generation of Oklahomans.

His legacy lives on in the institutions he strengthened, the policies he championed, and the countless lives he impacted. Funeral arrangements will be announced at a later date.