North Dakota Commissioner Might Be the World's Tallest Politician

The record for World's Tallest Politician (male) was previously held by Robert Cornegy Jr., who serves on the city council in Brooklyn, New York, and is about 6 feet, 10 inches tall, but only 209.6 centimeters tall, according to Godfread.

Godfread said his family physician's office verified his height, both when he was standing and when he was lying down, and documented the measuring process with video and photographs.

"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 a statement about getting the record. "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."

Height Controversy

For many records, aspiring record holders bring themselves to the attention of the Guinness World Records staff.

A Guinness World Records site commenter said he believes Glen Jacobs, a former wrestling star, is the world's tallest politician. The commenter said Jacobs, the mayor of Knox County, Tennessee, is 7 feet tall.

Jacobs was described as being 7 feet tall when he was wrestling, but he is actually 6 feet 8 inches tall, according to the Knox News.

— Read Voters Choose Insurance Commissioners, on ThinkAdvisor.

— Connect with ThinkAdvisor Life/Health on Facebook, LinkedIn and Twitter.