John Oxendine facts for kids

Quick facts for kids John Oxendine
Insurance Commissioner of Georgia
In office January 8, 1995 – January 10, 2011
Governor	Sonny Perdue Roy Barnes Zell Miller
Preceded by	Tim Ryles
Succeeded by	Ralph Hudgens
Personal details
Born	(1962-04-30) April 30, 1962 (age 63) Nashville, Tennessee, U.S.
Political party	Democratic (before 1994) Republican (1994–present)
Education	Mercer University (BA, JD)

John W. Oxendine (born April 30, 1962) is an American politician and business owner. He served as the Insurance Commissioner for the U.S. state of Georgia. A member of the Republican Party, he was first elected in 1994. He won reelection in 1998, 2002, and 2006. Before entering politics, he owned a small business and worked as a lawyer. He practiced law in Gwinnett County, Georgia.

John Oxendine started his career helping with governor campaigns. Governor Joe Frank Harris later chose him to be on the State Personnel Board.

Early Life and Education

John Oxendine grew up in Tucker, Georgia. He graduated from Tucker High School in 1980. His father, Jim W. Oxendine, was a judge. John credits his father for his interest in politics.

He attended Mercer University. He studied Christianity, Greek, and political science. He earned his Bachelor of Arts degree with honors in 1984. While in college, he worked at the Georgia State Capitol. He was a student assistant to Governor George Busbee. Oxendine then went to Walter F. George School of Law at Mercer. He was active in student groups, including the Lambda Chi Alpha fraternity. He earned his Juris Doctor degree in 1987.

After law school, Oxendine took over his family's law firm. It was called Oxendine and Associates. The firm was in Gwinnett County. They helped small businesses with government rules. Oxendine owned and ran this firm. He continued until he became Insurance Commissioner in January 1995.

John Oxendine has two children. He lives in Duluth, Georgia.

Political Career

Starting in Politics

Oxendine began his political journey as a student assistant. He worked for Governor George Busbee. Later, he helped with the campaign of Joe Frank Harris. After Harris became Governor, he appointed Oxendine. Oxendine became the chairman of the State Personnel Board.

Becoming Insurance Commissioner

In the 1994 election, Oxendine ran for Insurance Commissioner. He ran against the current Democratic commissioner, Tim Ryles. After a challenging campaign, Oxendine won. He received 50.98% of the votes.

Considering U.S. Senate

In 2000, United States Senator Paul Coverdell passed away. Many people asked Oxendine to run for the Senate seat. He decided not to run at that time.

In 2003, Senator Zell Miller announced he would not seek reelection. Oxendine thought about running for the Senate again. He even had a poll done. The results showed he was well-known and liked. However, his friend, Congressman Johnny Isakson, decided to run. Oxendine then supported Isakson. He chose to finish his term as Insurance Commissioner.

2006 Reelection Campaign

In 2006, Oxendine faced a big challenge. He ran against Guy Drexinger, a Democratic attorney. Oxendine won by a large margin. He received 65.6 percent of the votes. Drexinger received 34.4 percent. Oxendine won in 153 of Georgia's 159 counties.

As Insurance Commissioner

As Insurance Commissioner, John Oxendine made several changes. He expanded the office hours. He also started Georgia's first Telemedicine Program. This program uses technology to provide healthcare.

Oxendine was the first Republican to lead a state agency in Georgia. He often ran his department under budget. He kept the office open for eleven hours a day. He also returned money to taxpayers each year.

He created a partnership between public and private groups. This helped develop a telemedicine program. It made healthcare more available to Georgians. It did so without using taxpayer money.

For his work, Oxendine received the American Medical Association's highest honor. It was the David Award. He was the only Insurance Commissioner to receive it.

Oxendine believed the state should help control auto insurance prices. After he left office, Georgia saw increases in auto insurance rates.

Gubernatorial Campaign Platform

In 2010, Governor Sonny Perdue could not run again. Oxendine decided to run for the Republican nomination for governor.

Protecting Rights

Oxendine is a strong supporter of the Second Amendment. This amendment protects the right to own guns. He is a member of groups like the National Rifle Association.

Healthcare Ideas

Oxendine does not support a national, government-run healthcare system. He supports changes to medical malpractice laws. He also supports tax credits to help people get insurance.

Fair Tax

Oxendine has worked with other governors. He encouraged Congress to adopt The Fair Tax. He believes this tax system would help America's economy. He thinks it would make the U.S. a leader in manufacturing and business again.

Water Resources

Oxendine supports building new water reservoirs. This would help make sure Georgia has enough water.

Education Choices

Oxendine supports an education model that gives local control. He believes in accountability for schools. He also supports a voucher system. This system would give parents more choices for their children's education. He also supports expanding charter schools.

Electoral History