U.S. House of Representatives
Oklahoma District 5
Republican
Began Service: 1993

Born Ft. Worth, Texas, February 11, 1950. He is the son of Ernest and Dessie (Lyne) Istook.

He graduated from Baylor University in 1971, having earned a B.A. in journalism. He earned a J.D. degree from the Oklahoma City University School of Law in 1976.

Istook was State Capitol reporter for KOMA radio in Oklahoma City during 1972 and 1973; and at WKY radio, also in Oklahoma City, from 1973 until 1976. He served as legal counsel to Governor David Boren in 1978 and was in private law practice from 1978 until 1992.

Istook was a city councilman in Warr Acres, Oklahoma, from 1982 until 1986 and was Metropolitan Library Commissioner from 1982 until 1986. He was a member of the Oklahoma House of Representatives from 1987 until 1992. He was elected to the U.S. House in November 1992.

Istook and his wife, the former Judy L. Bills, have five children: Ernest III, Chad, Amy, Diana, and Emily.