Frank Lucas (Oklahoma politician)

Frank Lucas (Oklahoma politician)
Name	Frank Lucas
State	Oklahoma
District	OK, 3
Term start	May 10, 1994
Predecessor	Glenn English
Party	Republican
Birth date	6 January 1960
Birth place	Cheyenne, Oklahoma, U.S.
Spouse	Lynda Lucas
Education	Oklahoma State University (BS)

Frank Lucas (Oklahoma politician) is an American politician serving as the U.S. Representative for Oklahoma's 3rd congressional district. A member of the Republican Party, he was first elected in a 1994 special election following the resignation of Glenn English and has been re-elected consistently since. Lucas is a senior member of the House Committee on Agriculture and a noted advocate for agricultural and rural policy, representing a vast district that includes much of western and rural Oklahoma.

Early life and education

Frank Lucas was born in Cheyenne, within Roger Mills County, and was raised on his family's farm near the community. He attended Oklahoma State University in Stillwater, graduating in 1982 with a Bachelor of Science degree in agricultural economics. His upbringing in a rural, agriculturally focused community deeply influenced his later political priorities and policy focus in the United States Congress.

Early career

Before entering politics, Lucas worked as a rancher and farmer, managing the family's agricultural operations in western Oklahoma. He began his political career by serving on the Oklahoma State House of Representatives staff. In 1988, he was elected as a County commissioner for Roger Mills County, where he gained experience in local government and public administration, serving until his election to the United States Congress.

U.S. House of Representatives

Lucas first won election to the United States House of Representatives in a May 1994 special election to succeed Democrat Glenn English, who had resigned to lead the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association. He took office on May 10, 1994, and has been re-elected in every subsequent election for Oklahoma's 3rd congressional district, one of the most reliably Republican districts in the nation. His tenure has been marked by a focus on agricultural policy, energy independence, and constituent services for the largely rural district.

Political positions and committee assignments

Lucas is considered a conservative Republican, consistently voting with his party on major legislation. He is a senior member and former Chairman of the House Committee on Agriculture, having led the committee from 2011 to 2015, during which time he oversaw the passage of the Agricultural Act of 2014. He also serves on the House Committee on Financial Services and the House Committee on Science, Space and Technology. His key legislative efforts have centered on farm bill reauthorizations, drought relief, rural development, and oversight of the Commodity Futures Trading Commission.

Electoral history

In the 1994 special election, Lucas defeated Democrat Dan Webber and independent candidates. He has faced only nominal opposition in most general elections, typically winning with over 70% of the vote. His primary challenges have been infrequent and unsuccessful, solidifying his position as a dominant political figure in western Oklahoma. Notable opponents have included former Oklahoma Corporation Commission candidate Timothy Ray Murray and Libertarian candidate Frankie Robbins.

Personal life

Lucas is married to Lynda Lucas, and they have three children. The family resides in Cheyenne, where they remain active in ranching and local community affairs. He is a member of the Cheyenne First Baptist Church and has been involved with organizations such as the Oklahoma Cattlemen's Association and the American Farm Bureau Federation. In his spare time, he is known to participate in local rodeo events and agricultural fairs.

Category:1960 births Category:Living people Category:Members of the United States House of Representatives from Oklahoma Category:Oklahoma Republicans Category:Oklahoma State University alumni Category:Politicians from Cheyenne, Oklahoma