James Allen Williamson
Encyclopedia
James Allen Williamson is an Oklahoma State Senator
, elected in 1996 as a Republican
. He had previously spent six years in the Oklahoma House of Representatives
, from 1980 to 1986. From 1998 to 2002 he served as Assistant Republican Floor Leader, and then as Floor Leader from 2003 to 2004. He is currently the Republican Leader Emeritus.
After earning a Bachelor of Science
in Education and a Juris Doctor
from the University of Tulsa
, Williamson taught social studies
prior to embarking on a law career.
During his political career, he served in various positions. From 1980 through 1986, he represented House District 76 (the southeast part of Tulsa and Broken Arrow).
From 1982 to 1986 he served as Assistant House Republican Floor Leader before being elected (in 1996) to the Senate, representing Senate District 35 (the south central part of Tulsa and Jenks).
From 1998 to 2002 he served as Assistant Senate Republican Leader, and then as Senate Republican Leader beginning in 2003 until 2004.
In 2006, Williamson ran for Governor of Oklahoma but was defeated in the primary. During the 2007 session, Williamson was the lead sponsor of three major pieces of legislation: a bill banning state funds from being used at state facilities for the promotion or use in abortions, an immigration reform bill, and a lawsuit reform bill. All eventually became law except the lawsuit reform bill, which was vetoed.
This politician is related to the former State Representative Allen Williamson
, who served in the House from 1966 to 1974 and was honored with the dedication of a bridge named after him
in Payne County
.
Oklahoma Senate
The Oklahoma Senate is the upper house of the two houses of the Legislature of Oklahoma, the other being the Oklahoma House of Representatives. The total number of Senators is set at 48 by the Oklahoma Constitution....
, elected in 1996 as a Republican
Republican Party (United States)
The Republican Party is one of the two major contemporary political parties in the United States, along with the Democratic Party. Founded by anti-slavery expansion activists in 1854, it is often called the GOP . The party's platform generally reflects American conservatism in the U.S...
. He had previously spent six years in the Oklahoma House of Representatives
Oklahoma House of Representatives
The Oklahoma House of Representatives is the lower house of the Oklahoma Legislature, the legislative body of the U.S. state of Oklahoma. Its members are responsible for introducing and voting on bills and resolutions, providing legislative oversight for state agencies, and helping to craft the...
, from 1980 to 1986. From 1998 to 2002 he served as Assistant Republican Floor Leader, and then as Floor Leader from 2003 to 2004. He is currently the Republican Leader Emeritus.
After earning a Bachelor of Science
Bachelor of Science
A Bachelor of Science is an undergraduate academic degree awarded for completed courses that generally last three to five years .-Australia:In Australia, the BSc is a 3 year degree, offered from 1st year on...
in Education and a Juris Doctor
Juris Doctor
Juris Doctor is a professional doctorate and first professional graduate degree in law.The degree was first awarded by Harvard University in the United States in the late 19th century and was created as a modern version of the old European doctor of law degree Juris Doctor (see etymology and...
from the University of Tulsa
University of Tulsa
The University of Tulsa is a private university awarding bachelor's, master's, and doctoral degrees located in Tulsa, Oklahoma, USA. It is currently ranked 75th among doctoral degree granting universities in the nation by US News and World Report and is listed as one of the "Best 366 Colleges" by...
, Williamson taught social studies
Social studies
Social studies is the "integrated study of the social sciences and humanities to promote civic competence," as defined by the American National Council for the Social Studies...
prior to embarking on a law career.
During his political career, he served in various positions. From 1980 through 1986, he represented House District 76 (the southeast part of Tulsa and Broken Arrow).
From 1982 to 1986 he served as Assistant House Republican Floor Leader before being elected (in 1996) to the Senate, representing Senate District 35 (the south central part of Tulsa and Jenks).
From 1998 to 2002 he served as Assistant Senate Republican Leader, and then as Senate Republican Leader beginning in 2003 until 2004.
In 2006, Williamson ran for Governor of Oklahoma but was defeated in the primary. During the 2007 session, Williamson was the lead sponsor of three major pieces of legislation: a bill banning state funds from being used at state facilities for the promotion or use in abortions, an immigration reform bill, and a lawsuit reform bill. All eventually became law except the lawsuit reform bill, which was vetoed.
This politician is related to the former State Representative Allen Williamson
Allen Williamson (Representative)
Allen Williamson is a former Oklahoma politician who served in the Oklahoma House of Representatives from 1966 to 1974. He is related to James Allen Williamson, an Oklahoma State Senator elected in 1996....
, who served in the House from 1966 to 1974 and was honored with the dedication of a bridge named after him
Allen Williamson Bridge
Allen Williamson Bridge is the name of a memorial bridge in Payne County, Oklahoma, named after a former State Representative who served in the Oklahoma State House of Representatives from 1966 - 1974. This politician should not be confused with a similarly named Oklahoma State Senator...
in Payne County
Payne County, Oklahoma
Payne County is a county in the U.S. state of Oklahoma. The population as of 2010 was 77,350. Its county seat is Stillwater, and the county is named for Capt. David L. Payne...
.