Thomas Jeffery 'Tom' Cole, born on April 28, 1949, is an American politician and former educator who has served as the U.S. Representative for Oklahoma's 4th congressional district since 2003. A member of the Republican Party and an enrolled citizen of the Chickasaw Nation, Cole made history in 2022 by becoming the longest-serving Native American in Congress. He currently serves as the ranking member on the House Appropriations Committee, focusing on Native American issues, defense, and appropriations. Prior to his election to the House, he held significant roles in Oklahoma state government, including as the 26th Secretary of State from 1995 to 1999 and as a member of the Oklahoma State Senate from 1988 to 1991. Cole's early career included work as a professor of history and politics, a screenwriter, consultant, and graduate assistant. He earned a B.A. from Grinnell College in 1971, an M.A. from Yale University in 1974, and a Ph.D. in British history from the University of Oklahoma in 1984, with fellowships including the Thomas Watson Fellowship and a Fulbright at the University of London. As a fifth-generation Oklahoman residing in Moore, Oklahoma, Cole has built a career emphasizing bipartisan cooperation, particularly in advocating for tribal sovereignty and federal funding for his district. While generally regarded as a steady and effective lawmaker, his support for certain defense budgets and fiscal policies has occasionally drawn criticism from progressive groups and within his party for being too moderate. Throughout his tenure, he has avoided major scandals, maintaining a clean public record focused on constituent services and policy expertise.