Biography of Congresswoman Mary Fallin

Congresswoman Mary Fallin represents the Fifth District of Oklahoma, which includes most of Oklahoma County and all of Pottawatomie and Seminole Counties. Overwhelmingly elected in November 2006 and again in 2008, Fallin is the first woman to represent Oklahoma in Congress since 1920. She is a life-long conservative dedicated to representing Oklahoma values in Washington.

Fallin currently serves on the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, the Committee on Small Business, and the Committee on Natural Resources. She is also a member of the Executive Committee of the National Republican Congressional Committee, and serves as Small Business Chair on the Republican Policy Committee and Vice Chairman of the Women’s Caucus.

History in Public Office

Fallin is no newcomer to public service; she first took office in 1990 as a state legislator. During her two terms as a State Representative she was recognized by the American Legislative Exchange Council as Legislator of the Year and named Guardian of Small Business by the National Federation of Independent Business.

Fallin became Oklahoma’s first woman and first Republican Lieutenant Governor in 1995. As lieutenant governor, Fallin served as President of the Senate and on 10 boards and commissions that impact the quality of life and business in Oklahoma, including the Tourism and Recreation Commission, State Board of Equalization, Oklahoma Land Commission and Film Advisory Commission. She pursued an aggressive agenda focusing on economic development, education, health care and government reform during her 12 years in office.

Fallin worked to promote economic growth and increase economic opportunities for Oklahomans throughout her three terms as lieutenant governor. In the Cabinet-level position of small business advocate during the Keating administration, Fallin championed the cause of small business in Oklahoma by fighting the rising cost of health insurance and excessive government regulation. Fallin was also instrumental in initiating several economic development events including the first-ever Oklahoma Aerospace Summit & Expo, Small Business Day at the Capitol and Telecommunications Day at the Capitol. She also hosted the Lieutenant Governor’s Invitational Turkey Hunt.

Fallin has also worked hard to keep Oklahoma’s children safe and ensure them a bright future. In the wake of the tragic Oklahoma City bombing, she formed a task force to rebuild the childcare center lost in the disaster. Fallin also initiated Project Homesafe, a gun safety program that has distributed more than 80,000 free cable gun locks to Oklahomans.

Many organizations and civic groups have recognized Fallin for her service over the years. She has been honored with numerous awards including Women in Communication’s Woman in the News Award, induction into the Oklahoma Women’s Hall of Fame, Clarence E. Page Award, induction into the Oklahoma Aviation Hall of Fame, 1998 Woman of the Year in Government and 1993 Legislator of the Year.

During her first term in Congress, Fallin received numerous awards for her support of pro-growth policies, including the “Spirit of Enterprise” award from the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, the “Guardian of Small Business” award from the National Federation of Independent Businesses and the “Hero of the Taxpayer” award from Americans for Tax Reform. She also received the “Friend of the Wildcatter” award for her advocacy of the production of more American energy and the “Friend of the Farm Bureau” award for her work on behalf of American agriculture. For her support of Oklahoma family values, she was given the “True Blue” Award from Focus on the Family and the Family Research Council.

Personal Story

Fallin comes from a family with strong ties to public service. Her mother and father both served terms as mayor of Tecumseh, where she was raised. A native of Tecumseh and a current resident of Oklahoma City, Fallin is a long-time resident of the Fifth District. She is a graduate of Tecumseh High School and attended Oklahoma Baptist University in Shawnee. Fallin also holds a degree from Oklahoma State University. She and her two children, Christina and Price, make their home in Oklahoma City, where they are active members of Crossings Community Church.