David Boren, Former Oklahoma Governor, Dies at 83

Influential leader and university president, his legacy endures
By Newser.AI Read our AI policy
Posted Feb 20, 2025 9:03 AM CST
David Boren, Former Oklahoma Governor, Dies at 83
In this Sept. 20, 2017, file photo, University of Oklahoma President David Boren, a former Democratic governor and US senator, speaks at a news conference in Norman, Okla.   (AP Photo/Sue Ogrocki, File)

David Boren, former Oklahoma Governor and US Senator, has died at age 83 due to diabetes complications. He passed away early Thursday at his home near Newcastle, confirmed by family friend Bob Burke. Boren was elected governor at 33, becoming one of the nation's youngest governors in 1974. He served in the US Senate from 1979 to 1994.

Boren was known for government reform, eliminating inheritance tax, and reducing state income tax. He championed intelligence initiatives and worked closely with former CIA Director George Tenet. Boren was involved in shaping US policy in Central America and opposed South Africa's apartheid. He was lauded by Nelson Mandela for addressing apartheid issues. In 2016, Boren led a defeated campaign for a 1% sales tax increase intended to raise $550 million annually for education. He served as president of the University of Oklahoma for 24 years, resigning in 2018. (This story was generated by Newser's AI chatbot. Source: the AP)

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