BISMARCK — North Dakota's Insurance Commissioner Jon Godfread announced on Tuesday, Nov. 12, that Guinness World Records has named him the world’s tallest male politician.

Godfread’s official height is 6 feet, 10 inches, or 210.767 cm, as verified in Bismarck on Oct. 4, according to a statement released by Godfread's office.

“This was a fun opportunity to bring some good news back to North Dakota, and of course, it’s an honor to be recognized as a world record holder,” Godfread said in the statement.

“This is also a great opportunity to highlight the work we do at the North Dakota Insurance Department and remind consumers that we are a consumer protection agency serving the people of North Dakota. There are no dumb questions when it comes to insurance, even if it’s about my height. We welcome the opportunity to highlight the work we do and the work of my colleagues across the country," Godfread said.

The process of officially establishing Godfread's height involved a visit to his physician’s office, where he was measured three times throughout the day on Oct. 4.

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Godfread was required to be measured in the morning, around noon and in the evening. Each time, he was measured both standing and lying down. The process was documented with video and photographs, per the requirements of Guinness World Records.

It’s Official! @GWR @naic pic.twitter.com/5iWkfVNvmU — Jon Godfread (@NdGodfread) November 12, 2019

The record for world’s tallest male politician was previously held by Robert Cornegy Jr., a Brooklyn, N.Y., city councilman.

Cornegy's official height in feet and inches is 6 feet, 10 inches, but his height in centimeters — 209.6 cm — is a hair under Godfread's height in centimeters, according to Godfread's office.

Cornegy played college basketball at St. John’s University during the 1984-85 season, when the team reached the Final Four.

Godfread also played college basketball, but at Northern Iowa University from 2001-05, reaching the NCAA tournament in both 2004 and 2005.

“Given that we were once both college athletes, I’d be happy to play a little one on one with Councilman Cornegy, if it means celebrating how unique we all are,” Godfread said.

“Although, with winter beginning to set in in North Dakota, I’d be happy to give the councilman the homecourt advantage," Godfread added.