Cole Mourns Loss of Kay Dudley

Washington, D.C. – Congressman Tom Cole (OK-04) released the following statement after the passing of former Oklahoma State Senator Kay Dudley.

"I was saddened to learn of the passing of my dear friend, former colleague in the Oklahoma State Senate and fellow alum of the Keating Administration, Kay Dudley.

"Kay was a marvelous human being — a devoted wife, mother and grandmother, a person of profound faith, a rock-ribbed conservative, a talented political activist and a key player in the creation of the modern Oklahoma Republican Party. She was impossible not to like and possessed an infectious sense of humor that sometimes obscured the talented political operator that she was throughout her public career.

"I first met Kay in 1986 when I was GOP State Chairman, and she was a well-liked Republican activist in then heavily Democratic South Oklahoma City. In a race for the ages, she defeated the powerful President Pro Tempore of the Oklahoma State Senate, Marvin York, in what was a stunning political upset.

"Kay was the officemate of my late mother, Helen Cole, in the State Senate. When I succeeded my mother in 1988, Kay became my officemate and a wise personal and political advisor, as well as a dear friend.

"Years later, Kay and I served together in the Keating Administration, Kay as the Governor's Director of Appointments and me as his first Secretary of State. Eventually Kay, too, served as Governor Keating's Secretary of State.

"During this time, Kay introduced me to Kirk Humphreys. She persuaded me that this political novice could become mayor of Oklahoma City and urged me to become his campaign consultant. As usual, my old friend had a shrewd sense of what was politically possible, and Kirk went on to become one of the most consequential mayors in Oklahoma City history.

"Kay Dudley was a simply wonderful human being. Godly, witty and wise, she was a true public servant and a treasured friend to all who knew her. I extend my deepest sympathy to Kay's family, many friends and loved ones. Her passing is a loss to Oklahoma. She will be missed and mourned by all of us who were privileged to know her."

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